SPb. : Humanitarian Academy, 2008. 350 s. First published in Russian book by the famous French writer Andre Maurois is perhaps his main historical work. In the volume offered to the reader, the author traces the formation and development of the French nation and state from late antiquity to the beginning of the Revolution of the XVIII century. Based on a wide range of sources and a solid historiographical tradition, Morua creates a colorful picture of the past, which reflects the most important eras and many dramatic events. As a recognized master of historical portraiture, the author pays special attention to the activities and actions of prominent personalities. However, exploring the "individual" history of France, he manages to trace many of the characteristic features of the development of European civilization as a whole.