The Jews of France: A History from Antiquity to the Present Book

I found this book helpful in understanding the background history, politics and culture of France starting at the end of the Franco-Prussian war. The coverage of events like World War I, World War II focus on what the foundation of current difficulties are related to government decision-making.

I really appreciated the overviews of literature and how they related to the general ideas about what denotes a generation's work--Enlightenment, Modernism, Post-Modernism.

I also appreciated the views of political thought, what made politicians socialists, communists, republicans, etc, which looks confusing to outsiders without background. Also covered is how the economy prevailed during various administrations and how they were changed, as well as the differences between the various Republics. It doesn't go into a lot of details about events but highlights key turning points in history as wells as the prevailing thoughts, hopes, desires and the intent to provide for the French citizen.