Description
By Mary MacGregor. Travel through the dramatic and colorful history of one of Europe’s greatest nations in this engaging and richly told historical classic.
In The Story of France, celebrated writer Mary MacGregor presents the history of France as a vivid narrative filled with kings, queens, warriors, revolutions, and moments that shaped the course of European civilization. Written especially for younger readers and general audiences, this classic work transforms centuries of French history into an accessible and compelling story of ambition, conflict, courage, and national identity.
Beginning with ancient Gaul and the Roman world, the narrative follows the rise of the Franks, the age of Charlemagne, the struggles of medieval kings, and the dramatic conflicts that forged the French nation. Readers encounter legendary and historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, and many others whose actions influenced not only France but the wider history of Europe and the world.
MacGregor’s graceful storytelling combines historical fact with vivid atmosphere, bringing battles, royal courts, revolutions, and great turning points to life with clarity and excitement. Themes of monarchy, revolution, faith, warfare, and national unity unfold through memorable episodes that reveal the long and complex story of France.
Written in a lively and approachable style, The Story of France has introduced generations of readers to French history through narrative rather than dry chronology. More than a history book, it is a sweeping portrait of a nation whose culture, politics, and achievements profoundly shaped Western civilization.
This carefully restored reprint revives a beloved historical classic for modern audiences. Ideal for students, families, lovers of European history, and readers interested in France’s rich historical heritage, it remains a timeless introduction to the story of France.
About the author: Mary MacGregor (1859–1938) was a Scottish writer best known for her retellings of mythology, history, and classic literature for younger readers. She authored numerous educational and literary adaptations that introduced generations of children to the legends, histories, and great stories of Europe and the ancient world through engaging and accessible storytelling.
Contents
Chapter I: The Druids
Chapter II: The Patriot Vercingetorix
Chapter III: King Attila
Chapter IV: The First King of France
Chapter V: The Three Little Princes
Chapter VI: The Sluggard Kings
Chapter VII: The Death of St. Boniface
Chapter VIII: Roland Winds His Horn
Chapter IX: Louis the Good-Natured
Chapter X: The Vikings
Chapter XI: The Vikings Besiege Paris
Chapter XII: Rollo’s Pride
Chapter XIII: King Robert and the Pope
Chapter XIV: The Truce of God
Chapter XV: Peter the Hermit
Chapter XVI: The Oriflamme
Chapter XVII: The Second Crusade
Chapter XVIII: Arthur, Prince of Normandy, Disappears
Chapter XIX: The Battle of Bouvines
Chapter XX: The Vow of St. Louis
Chapter XXI: St. Louis Is Taken Prisoner
Chapter XXII: The Sicilian Vespers
Chapter XXIII: The Battle of the Spurs
Chapter XXIV: Pope Boniface Taken Prisoner
Chapter XXV: The Salic Law
Chapter XXVI: The Battle of Sluys
Chapter XXVII: The Battle of Crécy
Chapter XXVIII: The Siege of Calais
Chapter XXIX: The Battle of Poitiers
Chapter XXX: The Rebellion of Jacques
Chapter XXXI: Sir Bertrand du Guesclin
Chapter XXXII: The Battle of Roosebek
Chapter XXXIII: The Mad King
Chapter XXXIV: The Two Lily Princes
Chapter XXXV: The Battle of Agincourt
Chapter XXXVI: The Baby-King of France
Chapter XXXVII: The Siege of Orleans
Chapter XXXVIII: Joan Sees the Dauphin
Chapter XXXIX: Joan Relieves Orleans
Chapter XL: Joan Leads the Dauphin to Rheims
Chapter XLI: The Death of the Maid
Chapter XLII: The League of the Common Weal
Chapter XLIII: Louis XI Visits Charles the Bold
Chapter XLIV: The Death of Charles the Bold
Chapter XLV: Madame La Grande
Chapter XLVI: Bayard Is Taken Prisoner
Chapter XLVII: Bayard Holds the Bridge Alone
Chapter XLVIII: The Field of the Cloth of Gold
Chapter XLIX: The Death of Bayard
Chapter L: The Reformers
Chapter LI: The “Gabelle” or Salt Tax
Chapter LII: The Siege of St. Quentin
Chapter LIII: The Prince of Condé Taken Prisoner
Chapter LIV: The Prince of Condé Killed
Chapter LV: Admiral Coligny Goes to Paris
Chapter LVI: St. Bartholomew’s Day
Chapter LXVII: Henry of Navarre Escapes from Paris
Chapter LVIII: The King of Paris
Chapter LIX: The Prince of Béarn
Chapter LX: Ravaillac Stabs the King
Chapter LXI: The Italian Favourite
Chapter LXII: The Siege of La Rochelle
Chapter LXIII: The Day of Dupes
Chapter LXIV: The Wars of the Fronde
Chapter LXV: The Diligent King
Chapter LXVI: Louis XIV Persecutes the Huguenots
Chapter LXVII: The Bread of the Peasants
Chapter LXVIII: The Taking of Quebec
Chapter LXIX: Marie Antoinette
Chapter LXX: The Taking of the Bastille
Chapter LXXI: The Fishwives at Versailles
Chapter LXXII: The Flight of the Royal Family
Chapter LXXIII: Louis XVI Is Executed
Chapter LXXIV: Marie Antoinette Is Executed
Chapter LXXV: Napoleon Bonaparte
Chapter LXXVI: The Bridge of Lodi
Chapter LXXVII: The Battle of the Pyramids
Chapter LXXVIII: The Great St. Bernard Pass
Chapter LXXIX: “The Sun of Austerlitz”
Chapter LXXX: The Berlin Decree
Chapter LXXXI: The Retreat from Moscow
Chapter LXXXII: Napoleon Is Banished to Elba
Chapter LXXXIII: The Battle of Waterloo
Chapter LXXXIV: The Revolution of July
Chapter LXXXV: The Brave Archbishop
Chapter LXXXVI: The Siege of Sevastopol
Chapter LXXXVII: “The Man of Sedan”
Chapter LXXXVIII: The Third Republic
Chapter LXXXIX: Growth of Democracy
Chapter XC: The Coming of the Great War
Chapter XCI: Four Years of Fighting
Chapter XCII: Victory
List of Kings
Index
