The Death of French Culture

"This book offers yet another delicious glimpse into a relationshipthat never ceases to fascinate, that between the US and France. Ithas taken an American to crystallize what France doesn′t want toadmit: that French culture is no longer an international force tobe reckoned with. What is most compelling about it is the accuracyof Morrison′s argument, combined with his deep affection forFrance. There is no rejoicing in his writing. Morrison′s is a truelament. In his appraisal of France′s growing incapacity to maintainits universal cultural pull, Morrison entreats us to think aboutthe meaning of culture and universalism in the twenty–firstcentury."Prospect MagazineFor centuries, France and its culture have been one and thesame. The greatness of the former reinforced the influence of thelatter, and vice versa. French writers, artists and philosopherswere at the center of the world′s attention and enjoyedunparalleled prestige. Of this past glory, all that is left todayis navel–gazing, nostalgia, and timidity.This was the disabused verdict reached by Donald Morrison, anAmerican in Paris, at the conclusion of his inquiry into the placeof French culture in the world. The creativity of its artists mayb