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Best books to learn The history of France, in order

France's history is a chain of reinventions, and each makes sense only in light of the last, so a broad narrative should come first. A good path starts with an overview from Gaul through the monarchy, then goes deep on the Revolution and Napoleon as the hinge of modern France, and follows the thread through the republics that grew out of, and reacted to, that upheaval.

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Reading paths for the history of france

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Frequently asked questions

How should I approach learning the history of france?
France's history is a chain of reinventions, and each makes sense only in light of the last, so a broad narrative should come first. A good path starts with an overview from Gaul through the monarchy, then goes deep on the Revolution and Napoleon as the hinge of modern France, and follows the thread through the republics that grew out of, and reacted to, that upheaval.
What's a good book to start the history of france with?
A strong starting point is The Identity of France, Vol. 1: History and Environment (v. 1) by Fernand Braudel. The ordered reading paths above show exactly where it fits and what to read next.
What should I read after the history of france?
Once you have the fundamentals, explore closely related subjects like The history of Korea, The history of Mexico, Ancient India.

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