Illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises, The Discovery of France is a literary exploration of a country few will recognize; from maps and migration to magic, language and landscape, it’s a book that reveals the ‘real’ past of France to tell the whole story – and history – of this remarkable nation.

'Full of amazing new facts, some horrific and some hilarious. A wonderful read.' -- The Guardian, Readers' Books of the Year

'Robb is a compellingly and hugely knowledgeable guide to a country that we only thought we knew.' -- London Review of Books

'Superlative history of la France profonde' -- Sunday Times 100 best holiday reads

'The most informative book I read was Graham Robb's brilliant, insanely compendious The Discovery of France.' -- Sean O'Brien, The Times Literary Supplement