This volume investigates the evolution of French literary thought and artistic expression throughout the twentieth century. John Cruickshank, a noted scholar of French studies, compiles a series of essays that examine the intersection of historical events, philosophical shifts, and aesthetic movements. The text provides a structured framework for understanding how the trauma of two world wars and the rise of existentialism influenced the trajectory of French writers during this period.

Scholars and students of French literature frequently cite this work as a reliable, foundational survey for understanding the intellectual climate of the twentieth century. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which assumes a baseline familiarity with the primary texts being discussed.