Research Guides: French: French Culture & History

French Women in History

From the Library of Congress:

Famous Women in French History
Use the links on the left to find information on Joan of Arc, Marie Curie, Josephine Baker and many other influential French women.
France: Women in the Revolution
Use the links on the left to find information on key figures in the revolution.
Women in the French Resistance of WWII
Scroll down for a list of notable resistantes.
Amazing People, Amazing Lives: Josephine Baker

Other resources

Infobase Ancient and Medieval History
Infobase has a large number of biographies and other resources on French history. After searching, you can narrow the results by selecting 'biography' on the right-hand side.
Explora
The Explora experience for schools and public libraries ensures that students, educators and library patrons can quickly find the reliable information they need to complete homework and research projects, deliver robust school curriculum, achieve their professional goals and satisfy their intellectual curiosity.

Rose Valland
Valland was an art curator and member of the French Resistance during WWII, working to track and return stolen works of art.
Jeanne Lanvin
Lanvin was a French fashion designer and founded the oldest French fashion house still in existence today.
Rosa Bonheur
Bonheur was a French painter and in 1894 became the first woman Officer of the French Legion of Honour.
Simone Veil
Veil was a survivor of Auschwitz and popular politician who championed reproductive rights in France. In 1979 she became the first president of the elected European Parliament.

The Oxford Companion to Food
Thousands of entries provide coverage on every possible food, its history, cultural significance, and culinary usage.

The Oxford Companion to Food includes entries on a wide variety of French cheeses and cuisines, including:

Cheese Glossary
Includes a short description of many types of cheeses from France and around the world arranged alphabetically. Use CTRL+F to search the name of a specific cheese. From The Deluxe Food Lover's Companion
Dictionary of Food
Gives short definitions of terms, many of non-English origin, so that the chef and the amateur enthusiast, the gastronome and the student may quickly determine the meaning.
Cheeses of France
Includes descriptions of different categories of cheeses as well as specific types.

History & Culture of Food and Drink in France
Includes a history of French cuisine and the development of grand cuisine. From The Cambridge World History of Food
French Paradox
The French Paradox refers to the low rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) in France despite the diet being rich in saturated fat.