In "The Discovery of France," Graham Robb embarks on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of a country famously crowned with the City of Light, yet shadowed by vast stretches of unknown terrains and enigmatic cultures. Far beyond the architectural marvel of the Eiffel Tower and the resonant corridors of Paris, lies a France scarcely touched by the pulse of modernity, a land where ancient tribal divisions and prehistoric pathways weave a complex tapestry of historical mystery. Robb masterfully uncovers the layers of this hidden France, bringing to life the adventurers, mapmakers, and dreamers who ventured into these uncharted lands, revealing a nation rich in diversity and steeped in traditions that defy the homogeneity of modern French identity. With an engaging narrative that is both scholarly and accessible, Robb not only charts the physical exploration and mapping of France but delves deep into the cultural and linguistic frontiers that define its regions. From the itinerant lifestyles of workers and herdsmen to the arcane rituals of pre-Christian beliefs, "The Discovery of France" is a compelling account of how France was pieced together into the mosaic we recognize today. It challenges the reader to reconsider what they know of France, illuminating the depth of its history and the complexity of its people. This book is an essential read for anyone intrigued by the journey of a nation from fragmented obscurity to unified grandeur, and how much of that nation remains a world unto itself, waiting to be discovered.