The English have always regarded the French with a passionate mixture of love and hatred. Simultaneously divided and linked by the English Channel - or "la Manche" - both countries continue profoundly to affect the other for good or ill. In his delightfully impressionistic appreciation of Britain's closest neighbour, first published in 1987, 'unashamed Francophile' Christopher Sinclair-Stevenson separates cliche from fallacy to reveal the essence of France and the French.

'A book which will have a considerable appeal for all those who love France; for in Christopher Sinclair-Stevenson they will meet a kindred spirit...' "Financial Times"

'Whets the reader's appetite for the next visit across the Channel.' "Evening Standard"

'Urbane and charming.' "Times"