Description: A monumental collective endeavor by many of France's most distinguished intellectuals, Realms of Memory examines how and why events and figures become part of a people's collective memory. The second of three volumes to be published by Columbia University Press, Traditions continues the groundbreaking exploration of French history begun in Conflicts and Divisions.

Where Volume One chronicled the role of political, social, and cultural differences within French society, Volume Two, in parts entitled "Models, " "Books, " and "Singularities, " emphasizes the shared aspects of French history and culture instrumental in the development of a national identity. Traditions includes fourteen essays on subjects ranging from Antoine Compagnon on Proust's Remembrance of Things Past to Georges Vigarello on the Tour de France and Daniel Milo on street names. They call attention to aspects of French culture in a manner that does not follow the traditional cause-and-effect approach; instead they focus on the complex influence of customs and institutions, from gastronomy to jurisprudence, private joys to public rituals.

Widely acclaimed for its innovative approach to history, Realms of Memory's emphasis on the processes that make a cultural identity is sure to prove fascinating not only to those interested in the history of France, but also for those who study history in general.

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