Cambridge Companion To Modern French Culture, The

Description: France entered the twentieth century as a powerful European and colonial nation. In the course of the century, her role changed dramatically: in the first fifty years two World Wars and economic decline removed its status as a world power, whilst the immediate post-war era was marked by wars of independence in its colonies. Yet at the same time, in the second half of the century, France entered a period of unprecedented growth and social transformation. Throughout the century and into the new millennium France retained its former international reputation as a centre for cultural excellence and innovation and its culture, together with that of the Francophone world, reflected the increased richness and diversity of the period. This Companion explores this vibrant culture, and includes chapters on history, language, literature, thought, theatre, architecture, visual culture, film and music, and discuss the contributions of popular culture, Francophone culture, minorities and women. Review: 'This is an ideal accompaniment to an undergraduate course on French society and culture, and a book so wide-ranging and thought-provoking that it will provide much enjoyment for more advanced readers, such as postgraduates and academics.' Forum for Modern Language Studies Table of Contents: List of Illustrations; Chronology; Introduction: approaching modern French culture Nicholas Hewitt; 1. Modern France: history, culture and identity, 1900-1945 Nicholas Hewitt; 2. Culture and identity in postwar France Giles Bousquet; 3. Architecture, planning and design Anthony Sutcliffe; 4. The mass media Jean-Claude Sergent; 5. Consumer culture: food, drink and fashion Hugh Dauncey and Keith Reader; 6. Language: divisions and debates Rodney Ball; 7. Intellectuals William Paulson; 8. Religion, culture and politics Michael Kelly; 9. The third term: literature between philosophy and critical theory Steven Ungar; 10. Narrative fiction in French Mireille Rosello and Jean Mainil; 11. Poetry Michael Bishop; 12. French theatre in the twentieth century Christophe Campos; 13. Music Colin Nettelbeck; 14. Visual culture Sarah Wilson; 15. French film Jill Forbes and Susan Harris; Index. Author Biography: Professor Nicholas Hewitt is Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Nottingham University.