First edition.

viii, 214 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 22 cm

Includes index.

"In the tradition of "Bringing up Bebe" and "French Toast," Cathy Yandell's "The French Art of Living Well" is a delightful look at French culture, from literature to cuisine to humor and more, showing how the French have captured that magic elixir known as joie de vivre. What is joie de vivre, and why is it a fundamentally French concept? In search of those ineffable qualities that make up the joy of living, this lively book takes readers on a voyage to France through forays into literature, history, and culture. How does art contribute to daily life? Why is cuisine such a central part of French existence? Why are the French more physical than many other cultures? How do French attitudes toward time speak volumes about their sense of pleasure and celebration? And finally, to what extent is this zest for life exportable? These and other questions give way to a dynamic sketch of French life today. Peppered with anecdotes and humor, this book uncovers some of the secrets of the celebrated French art of living well"-- Provided by publisher.

Celebrating the senses -- Shaking it up -- Sparking the mind -- Finding art everywhere -- Defining Frenchness -- Taking time, making time.

France -- Social life and customs -- 21st century.

France -- In popular culture.

Yandell, Cathy M.

Americans -- France.

Joy -- France.

Americans.

Joy.

Manners and customs.

France.

2000-2099

Finding joie de vivre in the everyday world

9781250777980 (hardcover)

1250777984

9781250777997 (ebook)