A2A. Thanks. I rarely write on Quora about my passion for studying history. I'm not sure why that is. Unfortunately, though, I don't have a big list of recommendations for French history, as most of my reading on the subject has been in French. read more
The book is an academic masterpiece written by a specialist for specialists, but it is very accessible for the educated general reader. Dr. Palmer is not just a dedicated professional historiographer, but a genuinely talented writer. Anyone interested in French history needs this book on their shelf. read more
Try History of Human Rights and Politics, Culture, and Class in the French Revolution. I particularly like The Family Romance of the French Revolution. For Second Empire, read David Harvey's Paris: Capital of Modernity For Third Republic France on, I would recommend Popkin's Modern France. This is textbook style but very readable. read more