{"product_id":"9781509803484","title":"The Discovery of France by Graham Robb","description":"With an introduction by Colm Toibin.   Ten years ago, I began to explore the country on which I was supposed to be an authority . . .   France is a country famous for its intellectuals, its philosophers and writers, its fashion, food and wine. And yet the notion of 'the French' as one nation is relatively recent and - historically speaking - quite misleading. In order to discover the 'real' past of France, Graham Robb realized it was not only necessary to go back in time, but also to go at a slower pace than modern life generally allows. The Discovery of France, illuminating, engrossing and full of surprises, is the result of Robb's 14,000 mile journey across France on a bicycle.  Winner of both the Duff Cooper and the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje prizes, The Discovery of France is a modern non-fiction classic, a literary exploration of a remarkable nation. From maps and migration to magic, language and landscape, it reveals a France few will recognize.    'An extraordinary journey of discovery' Daily Telegraph'Robb's concise and fast-paced writing pedals along with never a dull paragraph . . . dazzling' Sunday Times\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43204582047922,"sku":"9781509803484","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/products\/9781509803484_f60584d9-0e3f-4148-82b4-f00dcc41c734.jpg?v=1698943908","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/9781509803484","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}