Claude Fischler

Of Wine

The true wine lover is a rare breed. He doesn’t pontificate, instead he asks questions and reflects. When faced with a pompous connoisseur he shuts his eyes so he can sip and taste undisturbed. Which of the two categories do you belong to, reader? Are you a true lover of Bordeaux or a connoisseur of burgundy? What is it that you like about wine? Is it the knowledge that surrounds it or the pleasure it affords? Is it the prestige of a label or the authenticity of its origin? What do all these categories really stand for? The mythology of wine is examined and deciphered in loving detail. Claude Fischler is a sociologist and researcher at France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique.

Philippe Delmas

Of the Next War With Germany

France and Germany are geographically close – and yet so different. In this study of the two countries, the author examines French attitudes toward Germany, and wonders whether France will finally be able to rid itself of its traditional fears of its neighbour. Trapped by their anxieties and suspicions, torn apart by internal doubts, will France and Germany cease working hand-in-hand – as they did during the Cold War – and confront each other as opponents once again? Or will they seize the opportunity offered by European unification and finally learn to understand one another? This book provides the reader with athorough examination of the dilemmas facing both France and Germany.

François Jacob

Of Mice, Flies and Men

François Jacob

Of Mice, Flies and Men

Marc Jeannerod

Of Mental Physiology A History of the Relationship Between Biology and Psychology

A relative newcomer to the world of science, psychology gives rise to a rivalry between two older siblings, philosophy and biology. This enduring conflict between materialism and spiritualism, which continues today in other forms, without adoubt was the driving force behind its progress. What we know today about the spirit is a result of this history. Biology and psychology have shaped each other in turn. This book represents a riveting study on how two centuries of spiritual quarrelling made possible the modern attempt to establish the inner workings of the mind. A professor of physiology at the Université Claude Bernard, Marc Jeannerod is also the director of an Inserm neurological research team in Lyon.

Christian Delacampagne

Of Indifference An Essay on the Banalization of Good and Evil

What can we forget, and what had we best remember? What is "good" and what is "bad" indifference? Christian Delacampagne proposes a re-evaluation of genocide and of crimes against humanity in the face of an intellectual confusion that leads, according to Hannah Arendt, to a real "banalization of evil." Christian Delacampagne is a philosopher and a journalist at Le Monde.

Françoise Héritier, Boris Cyrulnik, Aldo Naouri

Of Incest (Coll. Opus)

Françoise Héritier, Boris Cyrulnik, Aldo Naouri

Of Incest

Jean-Claude Barreau

Of Good Government The Hidden Truths of History and the News

For the edification of the citizens that we are, the author examines philosophical problems that we had considered resolved since the 18th century, in light of current events. A powerful demonstration of the secret pillars of power, which underlines the necessity of the social contract. Jean-Claude Barreau is the Inspector General of National Education, and has held various positions in high-level administration.

François Mitterrand

Of Germany and France (Coll. Poche)

François Mitterrand

Of Germany and France

Beyond the lesson of History, beyond the political essay, this book is the moving testament of a man infused with the destiny of his country, instructed by the wars that wrenched it apart and determined to construct an open and confident Europe, one that would be capable of making History instead of suffering it.

André Brahic

Of Fire and Ice Ardent Planets

A journey through the Universe to explore the mysteries of giant planets

Jean Piaget

Of Education

What is the teacher's role and how important is it in a child's education? Should this role include the shaping in the child's mind of the tools with which to grasp and comprehend the world? How should activities be presented so as to be easily understood by children? What are the difficulties that children encounter when resolving mathematical problems? Pedagogical methodology, the role of the educator, and the child's autonomy : these are some of the subjects that Piaget reflected on throughout his life and which remain central to educational concerns today.

Dominique Schnapper

Of Democracy in France

From providential democracy to extreme democracy, the concepts forged by D. Schnapper have now passed into contemporary language. A great voice for democracy (D. Schnapper, the daughter of Raymond Aron, is former member of the Conseil constitutionnel).

David Khayat

Of Blood and Tears

David Khayat

Of Blood and Tears

An eminent physician recounts his deepest feelings as he faces death and pain, as well as his own suffering, in the course of treating his patients.