A Certain Idea of France
The Life of Charles de Gaulle
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A Certain Idea of France
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Narrated by:
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John Banks
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By:
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Julian Jackson
About this listen
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of A Certain Idea of France by Julian Jackson, read by John Banks.
In six weeks in 1940, France was overrun by German troops and surrendered. One junior French general, refusing to accept defeat, made his way to England. On 18 June he spoke to his compatriots over the BBC, urging them to rally to him in London. At that moment, Charles de Gaulle entered into history.
For the rest of the war, de Gaulle frequently bit the hand that fed him. He insisted on being treated as the true embodiment of France, and quarrelled violently with Churchill and Roosevelt. But through sheer force of personality and bloody-mindedness he managed to have France recognised as one of the victorious Allies.
For 10 years after 1958 he was President of France's Fifth Republic, which he created and which endures to this day. His pursuit of 'a certain idea of France' challenged American hegemony, took France out of NATO and twice vetoed British entry into the European Community. His controversial decolonisation of Algeria brought France to the brink of civil war and provoked several assassination attempts.
Julian Jackson's magnificent biography reveals this the life of this titanic figure as never before. No previous biography has depicted his paradoxes so vividly. Much of French politics since his death has been about his legacy, and he remains by far the greatest French leader since Napoleon.
©2019 Julian Jackson (P)2019 Penguin AudioWhat listeners say about A Certain Idea of France
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Ben
- 05-11-2023
Great listen
This is a superb book. It is very insightful and gives a great analysis of De Gaulle and all the key moments in French history that he played a part in. The narrator also does a great job and it is read in an engaging manner. If you know nothing of De Gaulle, or you are looking to learn more, I would absolutely recommend this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Goodview
- 26-01-2022
An excellent story
Story of a great man without whom it would be hard to imagine where France would stand in today's world.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 19-12-2019
Outstanding work
An extraordinary work from Julian Jackson, so thoroughly researched and written. A delight to listen and read. As a Frenchman I sometimes cringed at the pronunciation of certain names and places but overall a great narration. Mr Jackson, this would have to be a reference in any biography of “Le General”. Well balanced (which is not an easy task) and full of insight and explanations.A great achievement. Loved it. Thank you
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1 person found this helpful