The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour - Hardcover

Dejean, Joan E.

 
9780743264136: The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour

Synopsis

An exploration of how French culture during the reign of Louis XIV has had an enduring influence on modern traditions and style cites the French origins of such practices as haute cuisine, interior design, and the consumption of celebratory champagne. 40,000 first printing.

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Review

"A most readable and civilized book that reveals, in fascinating detail, some of the reasons for the French superiority complex."

-- Peter Mayle, author of "A Year in Provence"

"Effervescent . . . sparkling . . . packed with savory tidbits." -- The New York Times

"An enormously readable and civilized book that reveals, in fascinating detail, some of the reasons for the French superiority complex." -- Peter Mayle, author of A Year in Provence

About the Author

Joan DeJean, author of seven previous books on French literature, history, and culture during the reign of Louis XIV, is Trustee Professor of French at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has taught for the past fifteen years. She has also held positions at both Princeton and Yale. Bicultural, she shuttles regularly between her homes in Philadelphia and Paris, with her finger on the pulse of both venues.

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Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780743264143: The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0743264142 ISBN 13:  9780743264143
Publisher: Free Press, 2006
Softcover