8 Best Books on French Literature

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on French Literature, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of French Literature Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on French Literature below.

 
1."Landmarks in French Literature" by Lytton Strachey
“Landmarks in French Literature” Book Review: This book is intended for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, and teachers alike. It covers French culture, language, and landmarks, as well as the evolution of literature from verse narratives depicting middle-class life to more complex topics like Scholasticism and feminism. Additionally, the book delves into linguistic topics, scientific advancements, and the arts.

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2."The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French" by Peter France
“The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French” Book Review: This book mainly designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, and teachers alike. It delves into the rich culture of France and the French language, exploring a wide range of mediums from comic strips and pamphlets to tragic and epic works. Special attention is given to francophone literature beyond France. The book covers various literary movements, genres, and historical subjects such as chivalry, the Occupation, and Resistance during wartime France. It also discusses intellectual movements from Scholasticism to feminism, as well as linguistic topics and sciences. Additionally, the book explores the arts and media, including opera, cinema, and the press.

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3."New Approaches to Twentieth-century Travel Literature in French: Genre, History, Theory (Travel Writing Across the Disciplines: Theory and Pedagogy)" by Charles Forsdick and Feroza Basu
“New Approaches to Twentieth-century Travel Literature in French: Genre, History, Theory (Travel Writing Across the Disciplines: Theory and Pedagogy)” Book Review: This book is designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, and teachers. It explores French culture and language, delving into contemporary reassessments of the form across various disciplines. It begins by examining the discourses and contexts of travel in twentieth-century French texts, taking an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses theoretical and generic considerations. The book offers a historical overview of colonial and postcolonial texts, making it a valuable resource for students studying travel literature in French and in general. It provides essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the rich genre of travel literature.

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4."Writing it Twice: Self-Translation and the Making of a World Literature in French" by Sara Kippur
“Writing it Twice: Self-Translation and the Making of a World Literature in French” Book Review:
This book is designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, and teachers. It explores French culture and language, delving into contemporary reassessments of the form across various disciplines. It begins by examining the discourses and contexts of travel in twentieth-century French texts, taking an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses theoretical and generic considerations. The book offers a historical overview of colonial and postcolonial texts, making it a valuable resource for students studying travel literature in French and in general. It provides essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the rich genre of travel literature.

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5."From Francophonie to World Literature in French: Ethics, Poetics, and Politics" by Therese Migraine-George
“From Francophonie to World Literature in French: Ethics, Poetics, and Politics” Book Review:
This book is designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, teachers, and history researchers. It provides a comprehensive exploration of French literature, offering detailed explanations of the language and showcasing its beauty through numerous examples. The book delves into various poems to ensure readers grasp the cultural and intrinsic meaning of French society. It also addresses the ethical values prevalent in the country and concludes with an examination of politics, featuring diverse examples and case studies. By engaging in a literary analysis of contemporary works, the book delves into the tensions and theoretical debates surrounding world literature in French.

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6."Old French Epic (Studies in French Literature)" by Jessie Crosland
“Old French Epic (Studies in French Literature)” Book Review: This book is designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, teachers, and history researchers. It aims to provide a comprehensive account of a remarkable genre. Specifically, the book explores the extraordinary outburst of epic poems during the eleventh and twelfth centuries, which holds a unique place in the history of French literature. It delves into various historical moments, offering insights into the country’s rich culture and diverse heritage. Additionally, the book examines politics, providing numerous examples and case studies. Essential for students studying French travel literature and travel literature in general, it also touches upon the arts and media of the past, including opera, cinema, and the press.

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7."The Artificial Paradises in French Literature (North Carolina Studies in the Romance Languages and Literatures)" by Emanuel J Mickel
“The Artificial Paradises in French Literature (North Carolina Studies in the Romance Languages and Literatures)” Book Review: This book is designed for engineering students, French language learners, tourists, teachers, and history researchers. It offers a comprehensive exploration of French literature, providing a detailed analysis of the language, its beauty, and its significance. By delving into various poems, the book ensures that readers grasp the cultural and intrinsic meaning of French society. Moreover, it presents a captivating study that traces the impact of drugs on French literature. The initial chapters acquaint readers with the use and effects of opium and hashish, while subsequent chapters analyze how these substances influenced the works of prominent writers from that era, with a particular focus on Baudelaire.

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8."The Invention of Europe in French Literature and Film" by E Ousselin
“The Invention of Europe in French Literature and Film” Book Review: This book caters to engineering students, French language learners, tourists, teachers, and history researchers. It provides a comprehensive exploration of French literature, offering insights into the process of filmmaking and its origins. Additionally, it delves into the rich historical sites, shedding light on the captivating stories associated with them. The book also provides clarity on the monuments created in the past, offering deeper understanding and appreciation. Furthermore, it addresses the intriguing aspects of opium and hashish. Lastly, the book elucidates the crucial role of literary works in fostering the ongoing movement towards European unity.

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We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on French Literature and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on French Literature and will publish the download link here. Fill out this French Literature books pdf download" request form for download notification.

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