La Belle France - A Short History

Author: Alistair Horne

A great book about French history. The narrative style of the writing makes reading very enjoyable.

Over his long history France enjoyed glorious times as well as went through some darkest periods. With the same kind of history, a Chinese reader can easily understand and share the complicated feelings.

People said that there were only two capitals in this world: Paris and Beijing. Most historical events of France happened in Paris.

Parisian people have a long tradition of building barricades and making riots. They could be revolutionary. They could also be destructive. They never stop making history.

An interesting quote of General Foch:
My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.