Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong: A Tale of Two Countries

In his classic book, *Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong*, American journalist P. J. O'Rourke offers a humorous and satirical look at French culture and politics. The book, first published in 1981, has become a popular read for both Americans and French people alike, and it has been translated into more than 20 languages.

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't be Wrong: What Makes the French So French?

by Robert Page

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	419 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

O'Rourke's book is a product of his own experiences as an American living in France. He moved to Paris in 1979 to work as a correspondent for *National Lampoon*, and he quickly became immersed in French culture. He was struck by the many differences between France and the United States, and he found himself constantly amused by the French people's quirks and eccentricities.

In *Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong*, O'Rourke pokes fun at everything from French bureaucracy to French fashion to French food. He argues that the French are a nation of contradictions, and he finds their behavior both fascinating and frustrating. O'Rourke's humor is often sharp and biting, but it is also affectionate. He clearly has a deep love for France, and he wants to share his experiences with his readers.

The book was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its wit, its insights into French culture, and its ability to bridge the gap between Americans and French people. O'Rourke's book has been credited with helping to improve French-American relations, and it has become a must-read for anyone interested in either country.

Main Themes

The main themes of *Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong* include:

• The differences between French and American culture
• The complexities of French politics
• The importance of humor in understanding cultural differences

O'Rourke argues that the French and American people are very different, but he also believes that they can learn a lot from each other. He sees the French as being more sophisticated and cultured than Americans, but he also finds them to be more pessimistic and cynical. Americans, on the other hand, are more optimistic and idealistic, but they can also be more naive and provincial.

O'Rourke's book is also a valuable guide to French politics. He explains the complex workings of the French government, and he provides insights into the different political parties and ideologies. O'Rourke is critical of the French political system, but he also believes that it is more democratic than the American system.

Finally, O'Rourke's book is a reminder of the importance of humor in understanding cultural differences. O'Rourke's humor is often sharp and biting, but it is also affectionate. He clearly has a deep love for France, and he wants to share his experiences with his readers. His book is a must-read for anyone interested in either country.

Critical Reception

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong received positive reviews from critics. The New York Times called it "a funny and insightful book about the French people and their culture." The Washington Post said that it was "a must-read for anyone interested in France." The book was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

However, the book also received some negative reviews. Some critics accused O'Rourke of being too biased against the French. Others said that his humor was too harsh and mean-spirited. Despite these criticisms, the book remains a popular read for both Americans and French people alike.

Impact on French-American Relations

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong has had a significant impact on French-American relations. The book has helped to improve understanding between the two countries, and it has helped to bridge the gap between the two cultures. O'Rourke's humor has helped to make the French people more accessible to Americans, and it has helped to make American culture more appealing to the French.

The book has also been credited with helping to improve French-American relations. O'Rourke's book has shown that the French and American people are not so different after all. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they can both learn from each other. O'Rourke's book has helped to create a more positive and understanding relationship between the two countries.

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can Be Wrong is a classic book that has stood the test of time. It is a funny, insightful, and affectionate look at French culture and politics. O'Rourke's book is a must-read for anyone interested in either country, and it is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the complex relationship between France and the United States.

Sixty Million Frenchmen Can't be Wrong: What Makes the French So French?

by Robert Page

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	419 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE