THE DISCOVERY OF FRANCE

With an introduction by Colm Toibin. Ten years ago, I began to explore the country on which I was supposed to be an authority . . . France is a country famous for its intellectuals, its philosophers and writers, its fashion, food and wine. And yet the notion of the French as one nation is relatively recent and – historically speaking - quite misleading. In order to discover the real past of France, Graham Robb realized it was not only necessary to go back in time, but also to go at a slower pace than modern life generally allows. The Discovery of France, illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises, is the result of Robbs 14,000 mile journey across France on a bicycle. Winner of both the Duff Cooper and the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prizes, The Discovery of France is a modern non-fiction classic, a literary exploration of a remarkable nation. From maps and migration to magic, language and landscape, it reveals a France few will recognize. An extraordinary journey of discovery Daily Telegraph Robbs concise and fast-paced writing pedals along with never a dull paragraph . . . dazzling Sunday Times