In more than 700 alphabetically-organized entries an international team of contributors captures what is key about the culture which has developed in France since 1945. Entries range from shorter, purely factual contributions of around 100 words to longer overview essays in the range of 2000 words and provide essential cultural context for anyone studying the language or pursuing any course of study which touches on contemporary European culture. The Encyclopedia presupposes no knowledge of the French language, or indeed of France’s history and institutions beyond what might be expected of the reader of a quality daily newspaper or news weekly. It will be a source of endless enjoyable browsing for any francophile or anyone planning a spell of study or work in France. Entries include * abortion * advertising * Beur cinema * Brel, Jacques * Chanel, Coco * child care * decolonization * ecriture feminine * football * francophone press * gay activism * green politics * management style * Paris Match * regional writing * Seuil * youth culture Special Features * Entries are extensively cross-referenced to help lead the reader from one subject strand to another. * Longer entries are ‘facts-fronted’ to enable the reader to single out important information at a glance. * All entries are listed under the subject heading at the start of the book for speed of use. * An extensive index makes information all the more accessible. * Entries are followed, where possible, by short annotated suggestions for further reading. Structure and Content Entries are organized alphabetically and range from factual/biographical pieces of 150 or 500 words to longer, major entries and overview essays of 1000 or 2000 words. Major entries begin with a factual introduction and are followed by suggestions for further reading. Elza Adamowitz, Queen Mary and Westfield College, UK Dennia Ager, Aston University; Robert Aldrich, University of Sydney; Laurence Bell, University of Surrey; Jennifer B