France in the New Century by John Ardagh [rare books] by John Ardagh

Based on months of new field research, Ardagh's book looks at the Mitterrand years, the first Chirac years and the return of the Socialists. He explores in depth the problems that have yielded a mood of anxiety - corruption scandals, unemployment, racism - but his conclusion is shrewdly optimistic. He examines France's ambivalent role in Europe - integration versus national pride - as well as daily topics from the World Cup and Club Med to the role of women and regional renewal.