The French at Home

In lively prose, Albert Rhodes describes in The French at Home the allures and foibles of the Gallic race. Early in American history, before certain prejudices had set in, this diplomat living in France shows the varied facets of French life, in an age when traditional ideas still predominated. Using many charming examples, Rhodes touches on such subjects as chivalry, speech, epigrams, dress, food - all the things that make the French so distinctive. Rhodes not only describes the many ordinary activities he observed as a diplomat in France, but he also attempts to look deeply into the French character, into a nation's "personality", to perceive what makes them better or worse than Americans. This long neglected book brings to life the manners and customs of the French at a time when gallantry was still alive, and art and culture were held in high esteem. Rhodes's opportunities during a lengthy foreign residence in the consular and diplomatic service have been unusual; and the results of his observations are presented here in a form that could be considered both brilliant and instructive.