An Historical Geography of France

Description

In this 1994 book, Xavier de Planhol and Paul Claval, two of France's leading scholars in the field, trace the historical geography of their country from its roots in the Roman province of Gaul to the 1990s. They demonstrate how, for centuries, France was little more than an ideological concept, despite its natural physical boundaries and long territorial history. They examine the relatively late development of a more complex territorial geography, involving political, religious, cultural, agricultural and industrial unities and diversities. The conclusion reached is that only in the twentieth century had France achieved a profound territorial unity and only now are the fragmentations of the past being overwritten.

"[de Planhol] displays impressive scholarly and literary skill as an interpreter of many aspects of France...He has provided historians with a clear demonstration of geographical purpose and imagination." The Geographical Review "This volume is the first comprehensive historical geography of France available in English. ...insights large and small sparkle on these pages." The Professional Geographer "..the book provides a clear framework for an easy understanding of the dominance of factors of unity over factors of unity over factors of dislocation affecting French history, and to a larger extent the French psyche. ,,,this Historical Geography of France is an absolute pleasure to read. ...this multi-purpose book is necessary addition to the library of all colleges or universities where French programs still carry some weight." Laurent Ditmann, European Studies Journal