On the brink - Jonathan Fenby

As Europe binds itself ever closer together, and the twin watersheds of monetary union and the Millennium loom ever nearer, what does the future hold for our nearest neighbour? For centuries France has occupied a unique position in the British psyche - sometimes as enemy, sometimes as collaborator, but always an object of fascination and opinion. Part of this interest is due to the problems we share - economically, culturally and politically - yet despite the common difficulties France is a country in crisis to a much greater extent than we realise.

So argues Jonathan Fenby in this excellent survey of the state of modern France. Taking in all the major themes of French identity and exploring how they have been undermined - from agriculture to the motor industry, smoking to fashion - and with acute analysis of recent French political history, Fenby argues that France is a country without direction; a once-great power now unsure of itself and its place in the world.

Jonathan Fenby was the editor of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Before Before that he was deputy editor of the GUARDIAN and editor of the OBSERVER. He has covered France as a journalist since 1965 and was made a Chevalier of the French Order of Merit in 1990.

Most of us think we know about France, but we don't. Our nearest neighbour, our close partner and keen rival reluctantly faces the same kind of fundamental change as transformed Britain in 1979. Her success or failure will affect us all. In bright, shrewd prose Jonathan Fenby paints a lively portrait of France on the edge. Well worth reading' Douglas Hurd
'A superb book'

Bill Bryson
'A wonderful and moving book'

Jan Morris
'A masterly study of a beloved but embattled nation'

DAILY TELEGRAPH
'Well written, well informed and highly enjoyable'