The General: Charles de Gaulle and the France He Saved is a non-fiction book authored by British historian and journalist Jonathan Fenby. Published in 2010 by Simon & Schuster, the biographical work details the life and times of iconic French statesman Charles de Gaulle, with the history of the senior general and politician's nation during the 20th century additionally receiving focus. In summary, Fenby concludes that de Gaulle's impressive achievements truly merit the widespread sense of "the General" as being the greatest modern Frenchman. Being a decorated hero of the First World War, the statesman possessed a striking sense of personal destiny that fueled his defiance against the Nazi empire during the Second World War and led to his role as leader of the Free French Forces. In establishing the French Fifth Republicfrom the ashes of a conflict-torn Europe, Fenby writes, de Gaulle imposed his will upon the French people in a manner that set up a strong presidential system and ensured the state's survival. While isolated from power within a short period, de Gaulle manages according to Fenby to save France yet again during the Algerian crisis of the middle 20th century. While fickle and without good graces in terms of personal character, de Gaulle still dies having accomplished two great achievements in Fenby's view. The book was released to widespread acclaim. Supportive reviews have appeared in publications such as History Extra, Kirkus Reviews, and The Observer. Writing for the latter journal, historian Andrew Hussey credited the success to Fenby's ability to "write about French political culture from the inside".
Background and contents
The author had previously worked as a journalist for publications such as the South ChinaMorning Post. He had additionally written books such as . Fenby aims to capture a holistic picture of de Gaulle's life. He describes the figure as possessing a strong sense of destiny and firm set of ideals. Despite having a disciplined and determined personality, Fenby writes, the appreciative husband and father still possessed an individual character with a fickle and often conflicted streak. Endowed with a sense of destiny having given him a place in history, de Gaulle lacked multiple traits, Fenby states, including personal graces. De Gaulle's early life features service in the First World War that, as detailed by Fenby, leaves him a decorated war hero. The Frenchman then makes his initial appearance on the world stage in a particularly fateful time during World War II, with the events of June 1940 leading the previously unknown and newly appointed French general to become deputy defense minister. A desperate appeal for Anglo-French union that took place, Fenby writes, linked de Gaulle with British statesman Winston Churchillfor the first time. With the Nazi onslaught marching through territory, the announcement came in June 1940 that Paris constituted an "open city" and a de facto surrendered to the invaders took place. With not only no battle having taken place but hardly any sign of resistance encountered, the capitulation of France appeared complete. The previously obscure de Gaulle, Fenby recounts, decided to get flown by the British to London, England and to make what became known as the Appel du 18 Juin on 18 June from the studios of the BBC. The popular speech constituted not only a rallying cry for those still supporting French pride but additionally a call for French resistance at all levels. Fenby notes that the flight and subsequent delivery of the address nearly didn't happen due to maneuverings within the overwhelmed French government. De Gaulle's leadership of the French government in exile during the war and other actions resisting the Axis powers receive additional detail in Fenby's writing. In broad terms, Fenby views de Gaulle's conduct during WWII as well as the statesman's role in ending the later Algerian crisis of the middle 20th century as establishing a larger-than-life cultural persona.
Reception
Historian Andrew Hussey of The Observer wrote a supportive review, remarking that the "impressive account" of de Gaulle's life features a "finely nuanced and highly readable" style that reveals the statesman "as a master of spin as much as the saviour of his nation." Hussey additionally praised the complex take on de Gaulle's legacy after WWII ended; the leader "escapes easy classification" and has a heroic legacy with an element of tragedy to it in Hussey's opinion. As well, Hussey commented that Fenby debunked "many of the Anglo-American myths about" de Gaulle given that the author was "able to write about French political culture from the inside". Kirkus Reviews lauded the book. The review stated that "the astute and psychologically probing" work "does an excellent job portraying" de Gaulle "as a truly larger-than-life, uncompromising and incomparable character who acted as his country’s conscience and rudder." The diary-like writing style of multiple sections particularly attracted praise. In addition, professor Malcolm Crook wrote for History Extra that the "excellent study" of de Gaulle constiited a "blockbuster" as befitting such a notable individual. Crook stated as well that Fenby's writing contained a "brimful of fascinating insights" that made the book "a delight to read".
