French Ways and Their Meaning

By Edith Wharton

Book Overview

Explore the enduring essence of French culture and national identity in Edith Wharton's insightful work, "French Ways and Their Meaning." This classic exploration delves into the unique characteristics of French society, examining the customs, traditions, and underlying values that have shaped the French character.

Drawing on keen observations and historical context, Wharton provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of French social structures and their impact on European history. From its distinctive social graces to its deeply rooted sense of national pride, the book unpacks the nuances that define France.

A valuable resource for anyone interested in European history, social sciences, or comparative sociology, "French Ways and Their Meaning" offers a timeless perspective on a nation and its people. This meticulously prepared print edition revives Wharton's important study for readers seeking a deeper understanding of France.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023546329
• ISBN13: 9781023546324
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Looking at the French without starry eyes

Edith Wharton makes clear what being French means without a starry eyed view of Paris nights or glorification of sensuality. Wharton is first a social scientist and second an American writer living in France. This book is a description of various parts of French culture compared to her American perspective. Her candid discussion of the differences between French and American political culture makes clear how French history has shaped the distinctive Franco political and social cultures. I found the chapter on Taste to be particularly valuable. I had read "The Gospel According to Chanel" but did not really understand the French idea of taste. Unfortunately, Wharton's ideas on women are outdated, making only certain chapters of the book valuable for social science course reading. But, presented as a contrast to de Toqueville's French view on Americans and American democracy, the two volumes would offer interesting discussions about historical social science methodology.

Fine introduction.

This delightful little volume is a compilation of articles written for American troops bound for France in World War One. While their effect on the average doughboy may be questionable, they give a powerful and invaluable insight into one of the most perceptive minds of the age. Wharton, in her most engaging and always readable style, discusses First Impressions, and examines issues of Reverence, Taste, Intellectual Honesty, and Continuity, and, in her essay on the New Frenchwoman, reveals perhaps more about herself than her subjects. Highly recommended as a fine introduction to the author. (The numerical rating above is an ineradicable default setting within the format of the site. This reviewer does nor employ numerical ratings).