De Gaulle. The rebel 1890-1944

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After eight hundred books on de Gaulle, this monumental biography stands out. It consists of three volumes: The Rebel, 1890-1944; The Politician, 1944-1959; and The Sovereign, 1959-1970. The author, Jean Lacouture, combines two often incompatible approaches to history: rigorous analysis and a lively narrative style. His meticulous study of sources makes the work worthy of the greatest professional historians, while the ease and brilliance of his writing render it extraordinarily accessible and enjoyable to read. Drawing on numerous oral testimonies, Lacouture presents a comprehensive portrait of the man who profoundly influenced France in the second half of the 20th century. He portrays de Gaulle as "the most illustrious and, in any case, the most singular of the French," offering a balanced view that neither condemns nor absolves him. This biography is aimed at a general audience, making the complexities of de Gaulle's life and legacy engaging and relatable.