The Shortest History of France

From Roman Gaul to Revolution and Cultural Radiance: A Global Story for Our Times

By: Colin Jones

Narrated by: Peter Noble

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its unsurpassed cultural and historical riches. Gothic architecture, Louis XIV opulence, revolutionary spirit, café society, haute cuisine and couture . . . what could be more quintessentially French?

Rarely, however, do we think of France as a melting pot, and yet historian Colin Jones asserts it's no less a mélange of foreign ingredients than the United States, and by some measures more. As nationalism and anti-immigration rhetoric surge in France (and elsewhere), The Shortest History of France presents a portrait of a nation whose politics and society have always been shaped by global forces. Grounded in up-to-date historical scholarship that avoids the traps of national exceptionalism, Jones reminds us that it was only after the first millennium of French history that a nation-state began to emerge.

France has been home to the Enlightenment, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and The Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, its darker moments have included the Vichy regime and the Algerian War, along with persistent racism, police brutality, and civil unrest. From the serious to the sublime, The Shortest History of France is a dynamic, global story enhanced with touches of cultural radiance—truly a retelling for our times.

©2025 Colin Jones (P)2025 Tantor Media

Superficial History at its Best

Superficial but relatively thorough review of French history. Author reveals his left leanings episodically but it is easy to recognize and discount.