The interest in the history of France Bainville is that it reads like a novel whose strength is the style (sometimes lyrical like Joan of Arc that Bainville love). Centered on policy but also on the diplomatic history, there is nothing or very little on society, economy, culture (the French language) etc. Too bad. You would read this story - which was a bestseller during the 30s and after - as a story written in a personal way: Bainville also intends to rehabilitate some characters in Louis XI image. It reveals much more pleasant than a manual (although some books are really pleasant and very well written). The first chapters are a bit sluggish but the higher you go, the more it gets exciting. As for the commitment of Bainville - he was part of the French action - we do not really feel it in these pages (apart from excellent knowledge of the kings of France). Antoine Prost points out in his preface: he left his engagement side (cf.l'affaire Dreyfus). Fortunately. In a style that has nothing to do, I also advise the history of France Marc Ferro.
