From Harmony and Balance To Diversification and Deepening

Abstract

The general characteristics of French history and Italian history studies published in 2013~2014 can be summarized as quantitative increase in books, ‘harmony between old and new’ - ‘harmonious and balanced’ study between existing researchers and budding ones - , the balance of the study period, diversity of subjects, and the improvement and deepening of its contents. First, professional academic books coexist harmoniously with the books written for communication with general public, dealing with various and interesting subjects. Some critical books which rebut existing analysis offer a forum for academic debate and many translated books provide scholars and general public with a chance to access important achievements of french history academia.BR Senior scholars set a good example not only by their thesis but by the books that refine the previous studies. Small in number as they are, new researchers continue their study actively after doctor’s degree. As for the subjects of study, along with familiar ones including ancient regime, the French Revolution, liquidation of the past, migration history, and colonial issues, new subjects such as Others recognized in the West, the First World War, education, and 68 mouvement were actively addressed. Studies made its way beyond the discussion limited to the french history, introducing various aspects and interpretations on specific subject , and further surveying historical meaning in the perspective of world history.