French at Home A Nation's Character, Culture and Genius as Observed by an American Diplomat

In lively and witty prose, Albert Rhodes describes in The French at Home the allures and foibles of the Gallic race. Early in American history, before certain prejudices had set in, this diplomat living in France shows the varied facets of French life, in an age when traditional ideas still predominated. Using many charming examples, Rhodes touches on such subjects as chivalry, speech, epigrams, dress, food ? all the things that make the French so distinctive. Rhodes not only describes the many ordinary activities he observed as a diplomat in France, but he also attempts to look deeply into the French character, into a nation's ?personality?, to perceive what makes them better or worse than Americans. This long neglected book brings to life the manners and customs of the French at a time when gallantry was still alive, and art and culture were held in high esteem. Rhodes's opportunities during a lengthy foreign residence in the consular and diplomatic service have been unusual; and the results of his observations are presented here in a form that could be considered both brilliant and instructive. Americans have always made rather interesting appraisals of the French. On the one hand, the citizens of the New World have criticized their European counterparts for their social instability, their love of monarchy, their preoccupation with finery, their lack of interest in industrialism; yet at the same time, they have admired their elegance, traditions, art, music and great international power. Albert Rhodes was well aware of his young nation's uncertain assessment of this old European country, and his theories about the contradictory views make for fascinating reading.This is a uniquely rewarding work for both Americans and Frenchmen who desire to know the background of current international opinions.Rhodes, Albert is the author of 'French at Home A Nation's Character, Culture and Genius as Observed by an American Diplomat', published 2005 under ISBN 9781932490381 and ISBN 1932490388.