France: Amazingly Short History, An

Description The story of France for those who want to be well informed but don’t want to take very long over it. More complete than the brief histories at the front of most popular guide books but shorter than other standard histories. French history unfolds as an easy-to-read narrative. There are cartoons, maps and tips on where to go. There's a simple chronology at the back and a list of rulers as well as a very thorough index. Publisher comments This history of France is very easy to read. It makes no assumptions about the level of knowledge of the reader. The story of France is brought to life with clear and entertaining anecdotes. By the end of the book (it only takes about four hours to read) the reader has absorbed a thorough outline of French history from early times to the present day, enough to enhance any visit to the country. Normal guidebooks order their historical information according to place, apart from an introductory section. In this book it’s the othe way around: tips on where to go arise from the history. For instance, in the chapter on the French Revolution: there’s information on the house in Arras where Robespierre lived before moving to Paris in 1788: on the Hōtel des Invalides in Paris from which arms were looted for the storming of the Bastille: on the exact spot in the Place de la Concorde (formerly Place de la Révolution) where Louis XVI was executed: and on the room in the Conciergerie where Marie Antointette was imprisoned before she too was executed. Many small, simple maps are dotted among the pages so there’s no need to flick backwards and forwards through the book in order to get one’s bearings. A scattering of amusing cartoons keep the tone light in what is ultimately an affectionate look at a very remarkable country. If you are visiting a country and want to get more out of it, Travel briefs are what you need. Reading one will help you find out all about your destination and the people and events that have shaped it. You'll appreciate your stay far more than you would with a typical traveller's guide. The Travel brief books are compact, and full of entertaining and amusing anecdotes. The emphasis is always on fun and lively, interesting stories. Amazing true stories The story of El Cid... the penniless but proud aristocrats called Hidalgos who served as a model for Don Quixote... the truth behind the Spanish Inquisition... the astonishing tale of the conquest of Spain and the many traces it has left on Spain today... the shocking antics of the French royal family and Marie Antoinette... There are weird and fascinating true tales that jump out of every chapter, bringing the past to life in the most vivid and personal way. Things that didn't make it into other Travel Guides Most travel guides have a 'history bit'. Travel briefs take this to a whole new level. We include the people that made history, and bring them and the period to life. From strange and exotic fashions through to the different social classes and the ways they behaved, you'll be able to follow all the action and see that while some things change in a country, others remain the same for centuries. Lively and fun Matador's tight trousers were thought to cause sinful thoughts in the minds of young women. Capes were banned because it was too easy for thieves to hide stolen goods under them. Huge spectacles became a must-wear fashion accessory for women. There is enough quirky and fun stuff in Travel briefs to keep readers of all ages happy. Boring facts banned History textbook? Boring facts? They're not allowed in Travel briefs. We include lively stories, and all the best bits of the past. It's never been so rewarding finding out what happened. If you have children they will enjoy dipping in. If you try a Travel brief, be careful - you might just find it whets your appetite for more. A friend when you travel If you could travel abroad with someone who knew the country really well, and could point you to all the best, most interesting places AND tell you what used to go on there - wouldn't you be tempted? Travel briefs are that friend - they're always there to provide you with fascinating information about a country and its past. And they don't need so much looking after. Did you know that...? If you want quirky historical anecdotes, you can view more here and buy a Travel brief here. Travel briefs contain hundreds of amusing original illustrations, cartoons and tables Every one contains dozens of fascinating stories and anecdotes Travel briefs are great value and won't just be enjoyed on holiday - you'll want to take them home and savour what every one says freshly tied to the memory of places you've visited. Reading a Travel brief before going on holiday will increase the level of satisfaction you achieve.