Sixty million Frenchmen can't be wrong : (why we love France, but not the French)

The French...-Smoke, drink and eat more fat than anyone in the world, yet live longer and have fewer heart problems than Americans-Work 35-hour weeks, and take seven weeks of paid holidays per year, but are still the world's fourth-biggest economic powerSo what makes the French so different?Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong is a journey into the French heart, mind and soul. Decrypting French ideas about land, privacy and language, Nadeau and Barlow weave together the threads of French society--from centralization and the Napoleonic Code to elite education and even street protests--giving us, for the first time, a complete picture of the French."[A] readable and insightful piece of work." --Montreal Mirror"In an era of irrational reactions to all things French, here is an eminently rational answer to the question, 'Why are the French like that?'" --Library Journal"A must-read." --Edmonton Journal A historical and cultural guide revealing the French approach to land, food, privacy, language, and more and how globalization led France to become one of the unlikeliest influential countries in the world.Discover the captivating allure of France as you delve into the intricate fabric of its unique culture with Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong. This thought-provoking book explores the enigmatic charm of the French nation while shedding light on the nuances that both bewitch and puzzle the world.In this illuminating read, authors Jean Nadeau and Julie Barlow take you on an insightful journey, revealing the reasons why France remains a top global destination, loved and admired by many. Drawing from extensive research and personal experiences, they dissect the cultural intricacies that have earned France its reputation as a cultural giant.Within the pages of this book, you'll explore the art of living à la française, the allure of Parisian streets, the delights of French cuisine, and the essence of joie de vivre. Unravel the secret behind the French paradox: how a nation can evoke both admiration and frustration simultaneously.Gain a deeper understanding of the French communication style, their views on work and leisure, and the societal norms that shape their interactions. Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong is your gateway to decoding the French psyche, bridging the gap between perceptions and reality.Whether you're an avid traveler, a culture enthusiast, a Francophile, or simply curious about the mysteries of French culture, this book offers a fresh perspective on why we adore France while struggling to comprehend the French. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and enriched by this engaging exploration of a nation that has left an indelible mark on the world.

"Sixty Million Frenchmen does its job marvelously well. After reading it, you may still think the French are arrogant, aloof, and high-handed, but you will know why."
--Wall Street Journal

Decrypting French ideas about land, food, privacy, and language, and more, the authors weave together the threads of French society for a fresh take on a country that no one can seem to understand.

Library Journal

In 1999, freelance bilingual Canadian journalists Nadeau and Barlow traveled to France under the auspices of the Institute of Current World Affairs. Their goal? To determine how France has been coping with the new forces of globalization and modern times in general. The product of their effort is a wide-ranging discussion of the French character and how it has changed since World War II. Their overwhelming generalizations are based mostly on conversations with a variety of sources from seat companions on transatlantic flights to high-level government and business officials. The authors' intent "is not a history of France. Neither is it a specialized study of sociology, demography, political theory, or economics. [It] is a study of France." Therein lies the problem: the approach is so inclusive that any reader, except those quite familiar with France, will have a hard time understanding what Nadeau and Barlow are trying to convey. Unfortunately, neither an index nor a bibliography is provided. Readers may find more satisfaction in Julian Barnes's Something To Declare: Essays on France. Not recommended.-Olga B. Wise, Austin, TX Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

The French... -Smoke, drink and eat more fat than anyone in the world, yet live longer and have fewer heart problems than Americans -Work 35-hour weeks, and take seven weeks of paid holidays per year, but are still the world's fourth-biggest economic power So what makes the French so different? Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong is a journey into the French heart, mind and soul. Decrypting French ideas about land, privacy and language, Nadeau and Barlow weave together the threads of French society--from centralization and the Napoleonic Code to elite education and even street protests--giving us, for the first time, a complete picture of the French. A journey into the French heart, mind, and soul. Decrypts French ideas about land, food, privacy, and language. Weaves together the threads of French society from centralization and the Napoleonic Code to elite education and street protests, giving us for the first time a complete picture of the French When we arrived in Paris at the beginning of Jean-Benoîts fellowship, it was only the second time we had set foot in France.