Synopses & Reviews
Nineteenth-century France was a society of apparent paradoxes. It is famous for periodic and bloody revolutionary upheavals, for class conflict and for religious disputes, yet it was marked by relative demographic stability, gradual urbanisation and modest economic change, class conflict and ongoing religious and cultural tensions.
Incorporating much recent research, Roger Magraw draws both upon still-valuable insights derived from the 'new social history' of the 1960s and upon more recent approaches suggested by gender history , cultural anthropology and the 'linguistic turn'.
Review
'Roger Magraw's work has long been influential across the broad field of nineteenth-century French Studies. His books have shaped the ways in which students and specialists alike have approached the complex movements of post-revolutionary history. His present study is a remarkable work of synthesis.'
'His book is both accessible and comprehensive.'
Modern Comtemporary France, 2004
' With its combination of intriguing detail and lucid argument this work deserves a wide readership.'
French History, Review of Books, 2004
Synopsis
Key Benefit: This is a new and path-breaking social history of France in the nineteenth century which goes beyond the traditional focus of class & class conflict and religion & anticlericalism. Incorporating much recent research, Roger Magraw draws both upon still-valuable insights derived from the new social history' of the 1960s and upon more recent approaches suggested by gender history, cultural anthropology and the linguistic turn'. Key Topics: The author explores exciting new areas such as crime and punishment, medicalization, consumerism and gender. Each chapter contains very extensive, up-to date bibliography. Market: For those interested in French history.
About the Author
Roger Magraw teaches history at the University of Warwick.
Table of Contents
General editor's preface.
Acknowledgements.
Maps.
Introduction: writing the social history of 19th century France.
1. Social Elites
2. The Making of the French Working Class
3. The Peasantry
4. Religion and anti-clericalism
5. Education and the uses of literacy
6. Crime and punishment
7. The medicalisation of nineteenth-century France
8. The birth of a consumer society?
9. Gender
Conclusion
Appendix I: Political Regimes, 1789-1914
Appendix II: Chronology of events, 1780-1914
Appendix III: Glossary of Terms