jjares reviewed French History: A Captivating Guide to the History of France, Charlemagne, and Notre-Dame de Paris on + 3413 more book reviews
Captivating History is offering three of their books about the Franks and Charlemagne, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the History of France. The French have a rich history and these are three very interesting aspects of that history. Jason Zenobia reads this history of France without a stutter or a stammer over the fascinating array of French and other names.
HISTORY OF FRANCE --
In 1940, a group of boys found the Lascaux cave paintings. There was human life in Gaul 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. Large people migrations traveled across Gaul before and after the arrival of the Romans.
Captivating History highlights some of the most important people to affect Gaul/France, such as Vercingetorix, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and the French kings, particularly Louis XIV. Through Louis XIV's excesses and the kings that followed him, the reader gets a good understanding of the causes and activities of the French Revolution. Of course, a chunk of the book covered Napoleon and his wars. Napoleon had a profound effect; he ended the French Revolution, created the Napoleonic Code of Laws (used in Louisiana to this day), and changed feudal Europe in several ways with his emphasis on freedom and social equality.
The Industrial Revolution did not start in France but they quickly jumped on the bandwagon because of the increased prosperity. There was a revival of French arts and culture because of the stability in the country. As Germany formed into a single country and suddenly emerged as an aggressive country in Europe, France worried. Then, the author showed how World War I began. But I found most interesting to be the analysis of France between the wars.
The final chapters dealt with World War II and its aftermath. I vaguely remember Charles de Gaulle; he was much more important than I ever dreamed. The photos and maps helped explain some of the discussions. However, "Illustration 55: Oradour-sur-Glane, France" was the most evocative. The city sits as it did on the date following the massacre of 600 civilians by the Germans. This book concentrates on the highlights and major points of French history.
CHARLEMAGNE --
Charlemagne is a difficult man to categorize because he was all over the map with his accomplishments and efforts. Although not the first ruler of the Carolingian Dynasty (he was the third), he was a strong ruler and conqueror who was often called the Father of Europe. He ruled for 47 years and spent much of that time conquering rebelling tribes and regions. However, he also worked to stabilize the currency, encouraged reading, and competent administration. He also changed the relationship between kings and the Catholic Church. He became a protector of the Catholic pope. For this, he was eventually crowned as Holy Roman Emperor.
NOTRE DAME --
The story begins with the fire of April 15, 2019. Then, the majestic beauty that is this ancient church seems to step back and allow her mind to wander -- through her great and glorious past. Then the story returns to the fire. However, in the previous chapters, the author has explained why Notre Dame means so much to Parisians, the French, and the world. She is a symbol of hope. Beautifully written and read.
HISTORY OF FRANCE --
In 1940, a group of boys found the Lascaux cave paintings. There was human life in Gaul 15,000 to 17,000 years ago. Large people migrations traveled across Gaul before and after the arrival of the Romans.
Captivating History highlights some of the most important people to affect Gaul/France, such as Vercingetorix, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and the French kings, particularly Louis XIV. Through Louis XIV's excesses and the kings that followed him, the reader gets a good understanding of the causes and activities of the French Revolution. Of course, a chunk of the book covered Napoleon and his wars. Napoleon had a profound effect; he ended the French Revolution, created the Napoleonic Code of Laws (used in Louisiana to this day), and changed feudal Europe in several ways with his emphasis on freedom and social equality.
The Industrial Revolution did not start in France but they quickly jumped on the bandwagon because of the increased prosperity. There was a revival of French arts and culture because of the stability in the country. As Germany formed into a single country and suddenly emerged as an aggressive country in Europe, France worried. Then, the author showed how World War I began. But I found most interesting to be the analysis of France between the wars.
The final chapters dealt with World War II and its aftermath. I vaguely remember Charles de Gaulle; he was much more important than I ever dreamed. The photos and maps helped explain some of the discussions. However, "Illustration 55: Oradour-sur-Glane, France" was the most evocative. The city sits as it did on the date following the massacre of 600 civilians by the Germans. This book concentrates on the highlights and major points of French history.
CHARLEMAGNE --
Charlemagne is a difficult man to categorize because he was all over the map with his accomplishments and efforts. Although not the first ruler of the Carolingian Dynasty (he was the third), he was a strong ruler and conqueror who was often called the Father of Europe. He ruled for 47 years and spent much of that time conquering rebelling tribes and regions. However, he also worked to stabilize the currency, encouraged reading, and competent administration. He also changed the relationship between kings and the Catholic Church. He became a protector of the Catholic pope. For this, he was eventually crowned as Holy Roman Emperor.
NOTRE DAME --
The story begins with the fire of April 15, 2019. Then, the majestic beauty that is this ancient church seems to step back and allow her mind to wander -- through her great and glorious past. Then the story returns to the fire. However, in the previous chapters, the author has explained why Notre Dame means so much to Parisians, the French, and the world. She is a symbol of hope. Beautifully written and read.
