This book provides a clear and up-to-date guide to French history from the early
middle ages to the present--from Charlemagne to Chirac. Among the book's central
themes are the relationship between state and society, the impact of war and the
use of political power. Substantially re-written to take account of recent
research, this second edition includes a new chapter on contemporary France; a
society and political system in crisis as a result of globalization,
international terrorism, racial tension and a loss of confidence in political
leaders.