Speak the Culture: France: Be Fluent in French Life and Culture (Speak the Culture) |
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Andrew Whittaker
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Pages: 300 (Paperback)
ISBN: 1854184938
Pub: Thorogood
Pub date: 2007-10-15
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 5416
Editorial Review:
Even as Eurostar relocates to a gloriously refurbished St Pancras station and the journey time between London and Paris is shaved even closer, more and more people on both sides of the Channel are taking advantage of the extra opportunities this highly cherishable link offers us. And for those already in love with France (not to mention the ever-increasing legions of converts), Speak the Culture: France will be an invaluable aid and companion. Actually, no publisher has attempted anything quite like this, and the publishers Thorogood are to be much applauded for their ingenuity and achievement. The subtitle is Be fluent in French Life and Culture, and that facility is just what this remarkable volume offers, cramming an amazing mass of information into its well-designed pages. Everything is here, from French art and literature, architecture, media, sport, fashion and (of course) food and drink. But while not being in the slightest dumbed down, the information here (while often dealing with such weighty subjects as Proust and French existential philosophers) is delivered in a concise and highly accessible style (and aided considerably by the clever graphics which have a nicely self-mocking subtext -- when was that last seen in a book on a foreign country?). So, you're sitting on Eurostar, and a fresh espresso is to hand. Don't reach for the glossy magazine the train company provides -- crack open Speak the Culture: France and you'll be thoroughly tooled up for your visit to the City of Light. --Barry Forshaw
Reader Reviews:
Original, useful and beautifully executed (14/14 people found this helpful)
Whoever dreamed up the idea of turning the tired old guidebook format on its head like this should be congratulated.
Want a single volume that explains French culture, history, regional quirks, pride and resentments, manners and well just about everything in a single accessible volume? It doesn't sound possible but this book pulls it off with real panache. I couldn't find a dull page.
Also well worth a mention are some delightful and often very witty illustrations and cartoons throughout.
Have you ever wondered about ................ ? (11/13 people found this helpful)
An excellent book to learn about France for those thinking of going to live there, buying a holiday home there or just having a holiday.
All aspects are covered with depth, interest and humour.
Very enjoyable.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Languages -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> Cultural Studies -> Popular Culture
Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> Cultural Studies -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Society, Politics & Philosophy -> Social Sciences -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Study Books -> FE & College -> Vocational -> Sport & Recreation
Books -> Subjects -> Travel & Holiday -> General
Books -> Subjects -> Travel & Holiday -> Countries & Regions -> Europe -> France -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Travel & Holiday -> Countries & Regions -> Europe -> General AAS
Books -> Subjects -> Travel & Holiday -> Speciality Travel -> Living & Working Abroad
Books -> Subjects -> Travel & Holiday -> General AAS
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Paperback
Books -> Refinements -> Font Size (format_browse-bin) -> Regular Size