Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong: Why We Love France but Not the French Paperback – 1 May 2003

This is a must read. It is a most insightful book about the French people. It is very well researched and a great read, bringing to bear north-American continent sensibilities, being written by two French speaking Canadians. Their approach is to try and understand France on its own terms, rather than lapsing into either clichés or, even worse, trying to make France fit into preconceptions. They rightly identify that, unlike the USA or Canada, France has a history and culture which is traceable over many centuries. Where I depart from their perspective is that this is unusual in Europe. In the English village where we live our church is Norman in origin and around a thousand years old. In England a church of this age is not unusual. There is another in the neighbouring village. The same could be said of many countries in Europe. As a result, despite the pressures of the EU towards uniformity in many facets of life, European countries all have their distinct cultures of great longevity. So to say that France’s history has developed over many centuries is true. But the same could be said about Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and so on. This is no surprise to a European, though I understand that this may be novel for some people from the north-American continent.

It's a very quirky type of book that will keep you interested right from the start. But you will have to have an interest in France to begin with. Some very interesting and amusing insight into the workings of the country. It shone a light as to why you're treated st times. Very good read and very interesting.

Not read it yet but seems to be very funny in parts

This is not an in the armchair before a log fire, read. It's a text book. Informative if you really want to know why France and the French are so different.

Including my travel books, this is the 10th book I read to be well prepared for my vacation to France. I could not have been more surprised and fascinated with the education provided about everything that affects the French people. I felt like I had taken a college course when I finished the book. Indeed, I took about 20 pages of notes covering facts and scenarios I did not want to forget. The thought I had when I finished the book was that I would like to read a similar book about every country in the world--especially mine.

Very interesting. I learned a lot - though wonder how much has changed since the book was written. It would be good to have an updated edition.

This is the best, most comprehensive book I have ever read on the French. I am myself French and believe every "Frenchmen" should read it. It give a very powerful insight on why we are the way we are. With constant back and forth between "anglosaxon" systems and the French system, giving key historical details that explain the way the French are today, this book is the Bible for getting into the French mind and customs.I highly recommend it to any Frenchman or English speakers who have lived in France for over a couple months.

Saw this book at a friends and really wanted my own copy because it is a great read. You can either dip in and out or read cover to cover. A great insight to French character and history. I recommend to anyone with an interest in France. I was really impressed by the condition of the book and it arrived really promptly.