This book belongs to the pen of one of the outstanding modern French historians. He came to the conclusion that today, when the processes of globalization and the construction of a united Europe are underway, there is a need to take a fresh look at the history of France in order to better understand how the people of this country lived in different eras, what prompted different social groups to one or another action, and what the history of their country is seen by its citizens. The author identifies the characteristic features of French history and French society, comparing them with the history and society of neighboring states.