Xenophobe's Guide to the French

If you want to make fun of the French or understand better their culture this is definitely a book worth living.

Being of French stock myself, I can say this book is entertaining, spot on,and hilarious. It is not meant to be insulting or demeaning. It's not completely accurate but we are talking about a nation of 60 million here; let's keep our sense of humor.This is a must read if you happen to be planning a trip to France. In particular, I refer to the section about the etiquette of greetings. The French do take the formal code of opening a conversation -- any conversation -- with the greeting: "Bonjour" very, very seriously, and woe to anyone who does not utter it. You can read the book for the details. It's baffling to most American tourists but once they get it, it will make a vacation to France oh so much smoother.Au revoir

The Xenophope's Guide to the French is a review of French attitudes towards different aspects of life. It'sdiscussion is rather abstract. It appears to be describing the attitudes of upper middle class people from Paris. From this book it is difficult to figure out how you should behave or what you should say in typical tourist or business situations to be on good terms with the French people you deal with. Perhaps these behaviours are not decribed because it is almost impossible for foreigners to be on good terms with Parisians; I found the Parisians to be actively hostile to me even though I was speaking French. But this book does not have a lot of helpful information on good interactions with French people.

great book and fast delivery.....

No as good as other books in the series. The two authors repeat phrasing. Could use better editing. Don't get the feeling that the authors like the French much.

British humor is at its best when making fun of the French! This book cracked me up. I literally bursted out into laughter every couple of pages. Many a truth is said in jest and this is a living proof of it. I disagree with the negative reviewers: the authors evidently (and rightly!) revere the French. A totally recommended read for people with an open mind, a sense of humor and an interest in the French.

This was mediocre at best. I expected more. The cover drew me in but I wasn't taken with the writing or the stories.

As French, I bought this guide and got a good laugh. Of course, a short book like this can't resume a whole complex society, of course there will be some cliches, but I enjoyed reading it. Some parts I recognized myself, some I felt were more to apply to Parisians. Finished the book in 1h.I think one my best part is at the beginning when they say: French people are not mad or looking down or too proud of themselves, they just pity other nationalities for not being French... :D I think it's true.

Only a pocket sized book, but it is great fun for a journey or for the loo :-)

Fantastic series. Read them, love them, finish reading them, eat a croissant, visit Paris. Then read the rest.

tradition, culture social habits and everything you want to know about French, Interesting!!

Amusing look at Frenc life