In the Shadow of the General

Modern France and the Myth of De Gaulle

Nonfiction, History, France, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book In the Shadow of the General by Sudhir Hazareesingh, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh ISBN: 9780199913497
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Sudhir Hazareesingh
ISBN: 9780199913497
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

Charles De Gaulle's leadership of the French while in exile during World War II cemented his place in history. In contemporary France, he is the stuff of legend, consistently acclaimed as the nation's pre-eminent historical figure. But paradoxes abound. For one thing, his personal popularity sits oddly with his social origins and professional background. Neither the Army nor the Catholic Church is particularly well-regarded in France today, as they are seen to represent antiquated traditions and values. So why, then, do the French nonetheless identify with, celebrate, and even revere this austere and devout Catholic, who remained closely wedded to military values throughout his life? In The Shadow of the General resolves this mystery and explains how de Gaulle has come to occupy such a privileged position in the French imagination. Sudhir Hazareesingh's story of how an individual life was transformed into national myth also tells a great deal about the French collective self in the twenty-first century: its fractured memory, its aspirations to greatness, and its manifold anxieties. Indeed, alongside the tale of de Gaulle's legacy, the author unfolds a much broader narrative: the story of modern France.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Charles De Gaulle's leadership of the French while in exile during World War II cemented his place in history. In contemporary France, he is the stuff of legend, consistently acclaimed as the nation's pre-eminent historical figure. But paradoxes abound. For one thing, his personal popularity sits oddly with his social origins and professional background. Neither the Army nor the Catholic Church is particularly well-regarded in France today, as they are seen to represent antiquated traditions and values. So why, then, do the French nonetheless identify with, celebrate, and even revere this austere and devout Catholic, who remained closely wedded to military values throughout his life? In The Shadow of the General resolves this mystery and explains how de Gaulle has come to occupy such a privileged position in the French imagination. Sudhir Hazareesingh's story of how an individual life was transformed into national myth also tells a great deal about the French collective self in the twenty-first century: its fractured memory, its aspirations to greatness, and its manifold anxieties. Indeed, alongside the tale of de Gaulle's legacy, the author unfolds a much broader narrative: the story of modern France.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Last Word by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book From Experience to Knowledge in ELT - Oxford Handbooks for Language Teachers by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Stories We've Heard, Stories We've Told by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Anselm by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book The Politics of Immigration by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Human Rights and World Public Order by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs in America by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Extreme Caregiving by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Unwanted Visionaries by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book The Poisoned Weed by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book The New Sectarianism by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Beyond Speech by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Ethics and Qualities of Life by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Nuclear Energy by Sudhir Hazareesingh
Cover of the book Strategies for Success in Musical Theatre by Sudhir Hazareesingh
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy