The British in France: Visitors and Residents since the Revolution - Softcover

Thorold, Peter

9781910670767: The British in France: Visitors and Residents since the Revolution

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1910670766 ISBN 13: 9781910670767

Publisher: Thistle Publishing, 2016

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‘Thorold’s learned, lively and eminently readable book.’
The Spectator

Countless British visit France each year and over 100,000 live there permanently, successors to generations of their countrymen. This book, starting with the brief and poignant Peace of Amiens, 1801-1803, studies who they were - ranging from businessmen and artisans to rentiers, invalids and tourists - where they went and the reasons why. While some went for fun, to Paris 'where the social arts are carried to perfection' or to Monte Carlo, Biarritz or Deauville, the invalids favoured the Pyrenees or Savoy, making Pau the 'ville anglaise'. Bordeaux was an example of another town where the British attained great influence because of the wine trade.

Many also settled in France to save money. The Channel Coast becoming popular with those who fled creditors or disgrace at home (Beau Brummell and Oscar Wilde are examples of this group). Food, architecture and the arts more generally attracted many, as did the climate of the Riviera.

The revolutions in travel brought about by railways, motoring and aircraft provide a constant theme. Looking at the cultural, economic and social comparisons of the businessmen, artisans, rentiers, invalids and tourists, Peter Thorold tells a fascinating story of the changing relationship with our ancient neighbour.

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About the Author

Peter Thorold was born in London and educated in the United States and Britain, reading history at New College, Oxford. His professional career was spent in the City as an insurance broker and director of a number of companies. He lives with his wife in London and France. His other books include The London Rich: The Creation of a Great City from 1666 to the Present and The Motoring Age: The Automobile and Britain 1896-1939.

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