France Today [antikvár]

ForewordWhile it is possible that this book may be considered by some to provide background material for literary studies and by others to encourage a comparative assessment of England and France today, these are not its main aims. It has been written instead to stand in its own right as a series of informed, up-to-date accounts and analyses of key aspects of modern-day French civil-ization. Some chapters - those on the church, the press and recent foreign policy, for example - contain material that is not readily available in English elsewhere except at considerable length and in greater detail; others, notably those on politicai parties and education, elucidate complex subjects by analysing them at least in part in a historical perspective, while Chapter i on French society supports the factual information it has to offer by a first-hand knowledge of some of the problems involved.Contributors have been left free to deal with their subjects as they have thought best. Their views are based on research and careful analysis, and all have wide teaching experience in the field about which they have been invited to write. Each chapter closes with detailed suggestions for further reading. It is hoped that these six essays will encourage students to turn to the more detailed works that have been recommended, not only with some prior knowledge of the issues at stake but above all with interest and enthusiasm.John Flower Norwich, May 1970