The Republic of de Gaulle 1958-1969 - Definitive Cambridge History

In this review of The Republic of De Gaulle 1958-1969 the book is presented as a measured, scholarly account of Charles de Gaulle's eleven-year presidency that will appeal to readers who want a rigorous historical narrative rather than a brief overview. Serge Berstein and Peter Morris provide clear analysis of constitutional change, political dynamics and foreign policy, and the book's focused chapter on 1968 gives readers a sustained examination of the crisis that helped end de Gaulle's tenure. The bottom line: this is a solid academic volume for students and serious readers seeking context and interpretation of the Fifth Republic.

Key Features

• Comprehensive political narrative: Covers the entire eleven-year presidency with emphasis on institutional and constitutional developments that shaped the Fifth Republic.
• Focused chapter on 1968: Provides a detailed account of the social and political unrest of 1968 and its role in de Gaulle's fall.
• Foreign policy analysis: Examines De Gaulle's international stance and decisions, useful for readers interested in postwar European diplomacy.
• Authoritative series placement: Part of The Cambridge History of Modern France series, lending the book academic credibility and coherence with other volumes.
• Contextual socio-economic coverage: Discusses socio-economic changes alongside political events to present an integrated view of the period.

Who It's For

This volume is best for university students, history scholars and informed general readers who want a well-structured, evidence-based account of De Gaulle's presidency rather than a fast popular read. The book's measured tone and chaptered approach make it suitable for course reading and for researchers compiling a bibliography on modern France.

Readers seeking a light survey, illustrated coffee-table history, or a breezy biography of De Gaulle should look elsewhere; this book is written as an academic narrative that assumes interest in constitutional and political detail rather than visual or anecdotal presentation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authoritative treatment of constitutional and political change that supports further research and citation.
• Insightful foreign policy chapter that clarifies France's role in the Cold War and European affairs.
• Dedicated analysis of 1968 which helps explain the social dynamics behind De Gaulle's decline.

Cons

• The academic tone and depth may feel dense for casual readers seeking a concise biography.

Specifications

Title	The Republic of de Gaulle 1958-1969
Series	The Cambridge History of Modern France, Series Number 8
Authors	Serge Berstein, Peter Morris
Coverage	Eleven-year presidency of Charles de Gaulle, including 1968
Focus	Constitutional, political, socio-economic and foreign policy analysis

Our Verdict

The Republic of De Gaulle 1958-1969 is a worthwhile, well-researched volume for students and serious readers who need a coherent, scholarly account of the Fifth Republic and its challenges. Its focused treatment of constitutional change and the 1968 crisis makes it good value for academic use, though casual readers may prefer a more accessible biography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover the events of May 1968 in detail?
Yes. There is an entire chapter dedicated to 1968 that examines the protests and their political consequences for de Gaulle.

Is this volume part of a larger series?
Yes. It is Series Number 8 in The Cambridge History of Modern France, which provides continuity with other scholarly volumes on modern French history.

Who are the authors?
The work is written by Serge Berstein with contributions or association from Peter Morris and follows the series' academic standards.