Brittany 1750-1950: The Invisible Nation

(Hardback)

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Brittany presents a paradox: the region was incorporated into France in 1532, and has never known a substantial nationalist movement. Yet, in recent years, signs of a sense of separation from France are growing clearer. This paradox raises some fundamental questions about the processes of nation formation. This work provides an introduction to identity politics in Brittany, analysing its special status within France: the region forms at once a western border and a potential rival centre to Paris. These themes are explored through a discussion of representations of Brittany: in published forms, such as in literature, in political debates, but also in popular forms such as through religious pardons, through republican festivals and through popular protest.

Reviews

'Sharif Gemie both renovates the genre and presents what is without doubt the best English-language work on the Breton question. He innovates by showing that spark of empathy which his predecessors lacked, while remaining lucid and retaining the critical spirit that an in-depth analysis requires.' Ronan Le Coadic, ArMen 168

Author Bio

Dr Sharif Gemie is Senior Lecturer in the University of Glamorgan, where he teaches modern European History. He has published extensively on French history and politics and is an authority on both France and Spain, particularly on Brittany and Galicia. He is the author of the UWP title Galicia (The Histories of Europe Series, 2006).