French Ways and Their Meaning

Edith Wharton makes clear what being French means without a starry eyed view of Paris nights or glorification of sensuality. Wharton is first a social scientist and second an American writer living in France. This book is a description of various parts of French culture compared to her American perspective. Her candid discussion of the differences between French and American political culture makes clear how French history has shaped the distinctive Franco political and social cultures. I found the chapter on Taste to be particularly valuable. I had read "The Gospel According to Chanel" but did not really understand the French idea of taste. Unfortunately, Wharton's ideas on women are outdated, making only certain chapters of the book valuable for social science course reading. But, presented as a contrast to de Toqueville's French view on Americans and American democracy, the two volumes would offer interesting discussions about historical social science methodology.

This delightful little volume is a compilation of articles written for American troops bound for France in World War One. While their effect on the average doughboy may be questionable, they give a powerful and invaluable insight into one of the most perceptive minds of the age. Wharton, in her most engaging and always readable style, discusses First Impressions, and examines issues of Reverence, Taste, Intellectual Honesty, and Continuity, and, in her essay on the New Frenchwoman, reveals perhaps more about herself than her subjects. Highly recommended as a fine introduction to the author. (The numerical rating above is an ineradicable default setting within the format of the site. This reviewer does nor employ numerical ratings).