The French Exception – Still so special?

Andrew Jack

2ND EDITION
‘Andrew Jack’s book is an excellent summary of the condition française. Light but not lightweight, it covers aspects of French life from the appellation contrôlée system of quality (for not just wine but also cheese and even lentils) to the extraordinary, but important efforts of Minister Jacques Toubon (Jack Allgood as he was immediately dubbed by the French themselves) to use the courts to keep the English language at bay. The author examines critically those major elements in France’s claim for a special place in the world, the belief that, not only should France plough its own furrow, but that it has a certain God-given right to do so. Jack has written an excellent overview of French society today.’ -Donald James, Time Out

‘As insightful and interesting as any book you can find on this subject, Jack’s stance is original, detailed and balanced. His approach is often controversial and always expressed with considerable literary expertise.’ -Euro Business

‘So what did the French do to this man to turn him into an exterminating angel?’ Philippe Cusin, Le Figaro

One of those books which forces us to recognise realities we would prefer to leave buried away …”
Thierry Brehier, Le Monde