Description

‘An extraordinary journey of discovery’ – Daily Telegraph
‘Pedals along with never a dull paragraph . . . dazzling’ – The Sunday Times

The Discovery of France is an award-winning modern non-fiction classic. A literary exploration of a remarkable nation – from maps and migration to magic, language and landscape – it reveals a France few will recognize. And all from the perspective of two wheels.

France is a country famous for its intellectuals, its philosophers and writers, its fashion, food and wine. And yet the notion of ‘the French’ as one nation is relatively recent and, historically speaking, quite misleading. In order to discover the true past of France, Graham Robb realized it was necessary not only to go back in time, but also to go at a slower pace than modern life generally allows. The Discovery of France – illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises – is the result of Robb’s 14,000-mile journey across France on a bicycle.

Winner of both the Duff Cooper and the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prizes, The Discovery of France is now included in the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the very best of modern literature.

Publisher Review

Exhilarating . . . a stunning journey through the historical landscape of France. * Independent * Elegant, entertaining and occasionally brilliant. * The Observer * At once history, psychogeography, itinerary and cabinet of curiosities . . . will delight even the most indolent armchair traveller. * Telegraph * A dazzling and moving contribution to a long tradition. * The Sunday Times * There’s any amount of treasure to be found here. * Evening Standard * A gently mesmerising, always brilliant exposition, and a vibrant biography of forgotten France. * The Herald * An astute sociological catalogue, and an extraordinary journey of discovery. * Irish Independent * An astonishing, eccentric book . . . Robb carries the reader along on flawless prose. * The Times * Beautifully written and truly eccentric. * Times Literary Supplement * A fascinating diversion. * Daily Mail * Robb is a fascinating and hugely knowledgeable guide to a country that we only thought we knew. * London Review of Books *