Greater France: A History of French Overseas Expansion (European Studies Series)

Provides a comprehensive account of France's imperial history, from the sands of the Sahara to the jungles of equatorial Africa, from the lush rice paddies of Indo-China to the legendary isles of Polynesia. Examines the men and women involved in the enterprise: explorers, sailors, soldiers, priests, nuns, administrators and businessmen. Assesses the uses and abuses to which the French colonies were put, and concludes with an overview of the links which have remained between France and its former colonies. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.