France is one of the oldest nations in Europe, and has a fascinating and eventful past. Matthias Waechter, an expert on France who teaches in Nice, traces this history from the Middle Ages to the present day, and explains what is unique about the development of France. He paints a concise and illuminating portrait of Germany’s closest neighbour, gives an introduction to the politics, culture and society of different epochs, and explains how France became what it is today.