Fran Ois Mitterrand A Political Odyssey

Beschrijving van leven en politieke ontwikkeling van de socialistische Franse president (geb.1916)

Tiersky examines the three major themes of Mitterrand's presidency-socialism, national reconciliation, and the reconstruction of Europe-and shows that on each count, Mitterrand left a decisive mark.

Up-to-date appraisal of the long-serving president's political leadership in the context of a broad overview of French politics and policy since 1945.

François Mitterrand was a controversial politician with a contested strategy and a flawed character. In spite of being one of France's most detested political figures, he was also undoubtedly one of twentieth century Europe's most substantial, durable and statesmanlike leaders. From his much-disputed passages at Vichy during WWII through the major policies of his presidency, Mitterrand's career is a lens through which one can view the anxieties, fears, and instabilities, as well as achievements and successes of contemporary French political history. In this first major political biography since his death, Ronald Tiersky looks at the contradiction that was Mitterrand and the legacy he left to France and the world. This promises to be the standard book on this great world leader for years to come. "[Tiersky's] crisp, energetic narration gives both a sense of the biographer's fascination with his subject and an appreciation for the sheer breadth of Mitterrand's experience. " - Publishers Weekly

Francois Mitterrand is one of France's most famous twentieth-century politicians, yet interpretations of his values and leadership vary widely. Alistair Cole starts with a chronological overview of Mitterrand's career which is developed into a policy-based assessment of Mitterrand's presidency from 1981-93. By evaluating Mitterrand's policies in relation to various key roles such as the party leader, the President, the dispenser of patronage, the European statesman and the World Leader, this book places his leadership in comparative perspective, and offers a new understanding of him as an individual political leader. This book will be invaluable for students of contemporary European politics as well for those interested in the career of one of Europe's leading statesmen.