First published in 1973 provides a comprehensive overview of French political history from 1958-1973. Dorothy Pickles writes with her characteristic elegance and the major themes are fully discussed and clearly related to their roots in earlier periods and to their consequences in later ones. The book covers the Algerian war and its aftermath; the notion of 'participation'; educational reform; economic problems; regionalism; the changing nature of Gaullism; and in the field of foreign policy - attitudes of European Community; relations with the Atlantic powers and France's attempts at achieving a world role. This book is a must read for students of French politics, political science, political institutions, and European politics.