The Myth of the French Bourgeoisie

“This is a bold work on a big topic, based on wide erudition and deep reflection. Maza’s consistent focus on what she calls "the social imaginary" enables her to stride with admirable briskness through the tangled landscape of this much studied and highly controversial era of French history. While not everyone will be convinced by Maza’s claim that the French bourgeoisie did not exist, this book will transform the way we think about the problem.”—William H. Sewell, Jr., University of Chicago

“Maza presents an insightful essay dissecting the concept of the French bourgeoisie.”—Alicia Austin, France Today