Taking a transnational approach to French history and coming right up to the present day, Stovall opens a lens onto both French identity and the history of the world more broadly which allows students to engage with French history in a much wider context.National histories (such as of France) are increasing being taught with a global view. This book draws the reader into a key aspect of France's political culture - universalism - making it the perfect textbook for these French history courses.The first edition was early in the field with this world-viewpoint, and now the second edition brings it up to date meaning it engages with things readers are particularly interested in at the moment from a historical perspective