A considered look at the Mitterrand presidency as a whole, its place in French history, and the trends for the twenty-first century emerging under Chirac. The fourteen years during which Mitterrand was at the helm ushered in fundamental change in many different domains, as France faced up to new challenges in an increasingly uncertain world. This study evaluates the impact and legacy of the Mitterrand years in the following key areas: the Republic; socialism; Europe and foreign affairs; business and the economy; society; and culture.

'...the Maclean text is a breath of fresh air. The aim of the book is 'to take a considered look at the Mitterrand presidency as a whole, its place in French history, and the trends for the twenty-first century emerging under Chirac'. The editor, and the organisers of the conference from which it sprang, should be congratulated not just for achieving this aim, and admirably so, but for producing a book which also reflects on the nature of political leadership both in France and more generally in the run up to the millennium.' - Robert Elgie, West European Politics

'[G]oes a long way towards allowing interested readers to come to their own conclusions about a flawed, but never less than fascinating, individual and his era.' - James F. McMillan, Richard Pares Professor of History, Times Literary Supplement

Mairi Maclean is Senior Lecturer in French and European Business at Royal Holloway at the University of London.