The French Exception. Still So Special ?

'Andrew Jack's book is an excellent summary of the condition française. Light but not lightweight, it covers aspects of French life from the appellation contrôlée system of quality (for not just wine but also cheese and even lentils) to the extraordinary, but important efforts of Minister Jacques Toubon (Jack Allgood as he was immediately dubbed by the French themselves) to use the courts to keep the English language at bay. The author examines critically those major elements in France's claim for a special place in the world, the belief that, not only should France plough its own furrow, but that it has a certain God-given right to do so. Jack has written an excellent overview of French society today.' Donald James, Time Out.