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The Self-Access Centre - French - Reading

Reading is a great way to expand your vocabulary. The Self-Access Centre offers some books to help you improve your language skills. Check "Description" for more details about each book.

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An illustrated diary of the events recorded by two French journalists from the magazine Astrapi on their journey to Calcutta and the time they spent with Mother Teresa 1 A Calcutta avec Mére Teresa Noelle Herrenschmidt & Benoìt Marchon A1, A2 1983 1
A crime novel centred on the discovery of a corpse in the Seine. Daeninckx's award-winning story brought a new lease of life to the French "roman noir" genre 2 Autres Lieux Didier Daeninckx Librio B2, C1, C2 1997 1
A children's storybook for complete beginners 3 Bernard et le Monstre David McKee Gallimard A1, A2 1981 1
A historical novel set in 1870 Paris under siege by the Prussians, it centres on a young woman, Blanche, whose uncle is the chief commissioner of the Parisian police-force, and is investigating a series of murders. The murders become more suspicious once black magic becomes involved 4 Blanche ou la triple contrainte de l’Enfer Hervé Jubert C1 2005 1
This famous novel by Voltaire is a satire about an innocent young man who believes that eventually all is for the best, in this best of all possible worlds. He and his friends survive a number of disasters, always continuing their optimistic search for this 'best of all possible worlds.' 5 Candide Voltaire Librio B2, C1, C2 1994 1
This historical novel, which mixes fiction and reality, paints a portrait of the future great revolutionary leader Ernesto Guevara when he was a medical student and went with his friend Alberto to explore South America 6 Celui qui n’était pas encore le Che Christian Moire A2, B1 1999 1
Myrtille and Momo are two young people studying the history of France and who are confused about their origins. Things become complicated when Momo is forced to leave the country and the two try to keep their heads through the storm 7 Chassé-croisé Guillaume Guéraud A2, B1 1999 1
This book explores the evolution of the various dialects of "ancien français" into the regional languages of modern-day France. Politically, the book begins with the death of Charles IV in 1328 and the extinction of the Capetian line, bringing to the throne the related House of Valois, but as Philip IV's grandson, Edward III of England, claimed the French crown for himself, this sparked off the succession of conflicts known collectively as the Hundred Years' War. This long conflict, and the growth in militarism, chivalry and feudalism it was accompanied by, are strong influences in the literature of the time 8 Collection Lagarde et Michard - Moyen-Age André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
The nineteenth century saw France rise to military supremacy under Napoleon I, return to Bourbon rule under Louis XVIII, establish a Second Republic which became an empire under Napoleon III, giving way to the Third Republic in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War. In addition to these political changes, France also witnessed the growth of industrialism and imperialism, all of which contributed to the remarkable wealth of French literature during this period. This book looks at the rise and fall of Romaticism, Realism, Naturalism and Symbolism and studies the works of the prominent writers of these movements 9 Collection Lagarde et Michard - XIXième siécle André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
This century saw the Renaissance arrive in France, followed by humanism and Neo-Platonism, as well as the invention of the printing-press, all of which contributed to the growth of French literary creation. The brilliant courts of Francis II, Henri II and Catherine de Medici became cultural centres as writers flocked to them in search of patronage. This book studies the works of Montaigne, Belleforest and Amyot, among many others 10 Collection Lagarde et Michard - XVIième siécle André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
French literature gained its pre-eminence in European civilisation in this century, especially under the administrations of Richelieu and Mazarin and the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV. This book examines pieces written by the three giants of seventeenth century French literature, Molière, Racine and Corneille, as well as works by Boileau and Madame de La Fontaine 11 Collection Lagarde et Michard - XVIIième siécle André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
The eighteenth century saw the rise of the Age of Enlightenment, in which philosophers and writers advocated liberty, toleration, equality and progress, criticised the institutions of monarchy, aristocracy and clergy, and even ventured as far as to question the existence of God. This book contains extracts from the greatest works of Voltaire and Rousseau, the disciples of the Enlightenment, as well as Diderot and Montesquieu 12 Collection Lagarde et Michard - XVIIIième siécle André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
This book is the sixth and last volume of the collection and is an overview of the history of French literature in the twentieth century. The book looks at poetry as well as novels and includes illustrations. It offers many extracts of works from the most famous authors and more 13 Collection Lagarde et Michard - XXième siécle André Lagarde & Laurent Michard Bordas B2, C1, C2 1985 1
A selected series of the most famous short-stories written by Guy de Maupassant, a nineteenth century French author known for his creative style and at times fantastical content 14 Contes Choisis Guy de Maupassant Librairie Hachette B2, C1, C2 1963 1
This book provides an insight into Jewish culture through the accounts of ordinary Jewish people handed down over the generations. At times these stories are humorous and at others are poignant, and reflect the long history of the Jewish diaspora 15 Contes du Yiddishland Ben Zimet B2, C1 2000 1
The story of Tom, an aspiring samurai, and his beautiful companion Joey, who seek revenge against the old man with no tongue 16 Coup de sabre Guillaume Guéraud A2, B1 1999 1
This short satirical work was collected and published in 1911 from notes compiled by Gustave Flaubert during the 1870s, lampooning the clichés endemic in French society under the Second Empire. It takes the form of a dictionary of automatic thoughts and platitudes, and is a witty and interesting read 17 Dictionnaire des idées reçues Gustave Flaubert B1, B2, C1, C2 1994 1
A novel by a French teacher passionate with ancient mythology and is based on the twelve labours of Herakles 18 Du Rififi pour Héraklès Béatrice Bottet B1, B2 2002 1
An excellent book providing numerous contemporary topics of discussion and debate suitable for advanced level 19 Enjeux, Débats, Expression Madeleine Le Cunff-Renouard & Dolorès Ditner ELM Publications B2, C1 1989 4
The eight short stories in this collection, by Marcel Aymé, Alain Robbe-Grillet, Raymond Queneau and other French writers, have been selected both for their literary merit and as a representative of contemporary French writing. The English translations that are printed in a parallel text are literal rather than literary. This volume is intended primarily to help English-speaking students of French, but the stories also stand on their own and make excellent reading in either language 20 French Short Stories Volume I Pamela Lyon Penguin Books Ltd B2, C1, C2 1966 1
Harry Potter is an exciting story about young witches and wizards at school, and a story that every child knows, and many adults too. Therefore, reading the French translation is a great way to improve your skills at reading in French. 21 Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers J. K. Rowling Gallimard B1, B2, C1, C2 1997 1
The second book in the popular collection of Harry Potter books. It follows Harry in his second year at Hogwarts, and the adventures he shares with his companions, Ronald and Hermione, when they open the forbidden Chamber of Secrets 22 Harry Potter et la chambre des secrets J. K. Rowling Gallimard B1, B2, C1, C2 1998 1
An excellent translation of the book. 23 Harry Potter et le prisonnier d'Azkaban J. K. Rowling Gallimard Jeunesse B1, B2, C1, C2 1999 2
The second volume begins with the early modern period of French history, describing the effects of the Wars of Religion in Brittany, Colbert's reforms, the rise of Nantes as a slave-trading centre, and Brittany's resistance to the French Revolution. The book ends with a look at the development of regionalist and seperatist movements from the 1850s onwards, and reflects on the growth of the Breton language in literature and theatre 24 Histoire de la Bretagne et des Pays Celtiques - Deuxieme Partie R. Honoré Skol Vreizh B1, B2, C1, C2 1979 1
This first volume covers the history of Brittany, from the Palaeolithic when the first hunter-gatherers settled in the area, to its colonisation by Celtic tribes and subsequent invasion by the Romans. It also covers the history of the Duchy of Brittany, and the various wars its dukes fought to maintain their independence from the French kings. It ends with Brittany's incorporation into France in 1532 25 Histoire de la Bretagne et des Pays Celtiques - Premiere Partie R. Honoré Skol Vreizh B1, B2, C1, C2 1984 1
This book contains several highly original short stories that are among Kipling's best known works. The stories, first published in 1902, are imaginative accounts of how various natural phenomena came about and throughout they use a comically elevated style inspired by the formal speech of the British Raj 26 Histoires comme ça Rudyard Kipling Gallimard B2, C1, C2 1979 1
A childrens' story based on a terrifying teacher 27 Histoires en Chaussettes Alain Serres Gallimard A1, A2, B1 1987 1
These books contain a mixture of comics and short-stories that are accompanied by simple word games and exercises 28 Je Bouquine - L'Enfant au Dulcimer Tor Seidler B1, B2, C1, C2 1987 1
These books contain a mixture of comics and short-stories that are accompanied by simple word games and exercises 29 Je Bouquine - L'Évasion de Kamo Daniel Pennac B1, B2, C1, C2 1988 1
These books contain a mixture of comics and short-stories that are accompanied by simple word games and exercises 30 Je Bouquine - Le Combat d'Odiri Georges-Olivier Chateaureynaud B1, B2, C1, C2 1988 1
These books contain a mixture of comics and short-stories that are accompanied by simple word games and exercises 31 Je Bouquine - Le Diamant Vole Leon Garfield B1, B2, C1, C2 1986 1
These books contain a mixture of comics and short-stories that are accompanied by simple word games and exercises 32 Je Bouquine - S.O.S dans la tempête Yvon Mauffret B1, B2, C1, C2 1985 1
The story of Kostia, a Russian woman who would like to discover the West. On holidays at her grandmother's house near Chernobyl, where the power plant has recently exploded, she meets Elena, a little girl whose father has been drafted in to extinguish the raging fires 33 L'Étoile de Kostia Irène Cohen-Janca A2, B1 2002 1
This book develops difficult sounds and pronunciation in French through little stories about different animals 34 La Campagne Claude Clément, Colette Hellings, Carl Norac & Dominique Maes Casterman A1, A2, B1 1989 1
A practical guide for travel to the UK 35 La Grande-Bretagne - Guide pratique du voyage linguistique Catherine Terre Hachette Éducation A2, B1, B2 1995 1
This book is about animals and different questions we may ask ourselves about mountains, such as why avalanches occur. The book emphasises vocabulary concerning mountains and is useful for students wishing to go skiing 36 La Montagne James Gourier Nathan A1, A2 2000 1
The story of Mademoiselle de Chartres, who goes to the court of Henri II in search of a husband. She eventually marries the Prince de Clèves, but soon after falls in love with the dashing Duc de Nemours. After a series of scandals, the Prince begins to suspect his wife of adultery, and becomes ill at the thought of it. On his death-bed, he blames Nemours for his grave illness, and begs his wife not to marry him. Once the Prince dies, Clèves is free to marry the Duc, but is torn between her duty and her love, eventually deciding to enter a convent 37 La Princesse de Cléves Madame de La Fayette Librio B2, C1, C2 1995 1
This book is about the life of Benjamin, an obese adolescent, which is a sensitive subject in today's society. He feels self-conscious of the look of others, especially when he meets his first love 38 La vie, en gros Mikaël Ollivier B1, B2 2001 1
This famous play tells the tale of a Spanish Count who falls in love with Rosine. To make sure she loves him rather than his money, he disguises himself as the poor student, Lindor, and attempts to woo her. After Bartholo, Rosine's guardian, locks her up in his house with the intent of marrying her himself, the Count employs a servant, Figaro, to devise a series of ways in which the couple can meet. The story culminates in the marriage of the Count and Rosine 39 Le Barbier de Séville Beaumarchais B2, C1, C2 1970 1
The adventures of Baron Munchaüssen as he travels across the seas 40 Le Baron à la Mer Adrian Mitchell & Patrick Benson Albin Michel Jeunesse B1, B2 1987 1
The story of four adolescents who escaped from their orphanage, and their adventures in pursuit of freedom and their first steps into adulthood 41 Le Combat d’Hiver Jean-Claude Mourlevat B2, C1 2006 1
The story of Mandy, a little girl whose parents act as foster parents to other children. She doesn't want to share her parents any longer. Unfortunately for her, one evening her parents return with a very bizarre little boy, a mute who is dressed in dirty black clothes. Little by little she becomes attached to him, especially once she realises his telepathic abilites, and helps him save a maltreated little girl 42 Le garçon de nulle part Sandra Glover B2 2006 1
A childrens' book about a football game, which includes much vocabulary regarding sport, in particular football, and related body-parts 43 Le Match de Foot J.Gontier & C. Quennehen Librairie Hachette A1, A2 1998 1
A little story of the journal of three friends who are exploring a far-away country in a zepellin where ice-cream grows 44 Le pays ou poussent les glaces - folio benjamin Anthony Burguess & Fulvio Festa A1, A2, B1 1979 1
This book is about Thomas, a boy who collects eggs. He plans to steal the eggs of the Red Kite. Unfortunately this rare bird is a protected species 45 Le voleur de rapaces Melvin Burgess B2 2000 1
This crime novel is based on a group of arsonists in London and a French detective is brought over to help the famous detective Harry Dickson in order to find the perpetrators 46 Les étoiles de la mort Harry Dickson & Jean Ray B2, C1, C2 1
This childrens' book is a game on how to find three people in the pictures of Parisian scenes by reading each description 47 Les Secrets d'une Ville Bruno Muscat & Jean-Louis Besson Bayard Editions A1, A2 1995 1
A comic book about a charitable organisation on its mission in Africa 48 Médecins sans Frontiérs - Mission en Afrique Guy Vidal & Jean-Pierre Gibrat A2, B1 1988 1
This book presents the life of this famous playwright and actor in the form of a comic book. At 21 Molière left the prestigious Lycée Louis-le-Grand, abandoning all prospects of a career in office, in order to embark on a career on the stage. During the thirteen years he spent as a travelling actor his style evolved from the crude Commedia dell'arte towards the witty genius that would later characterise his work. By the 1660s Molière had reached the height of his fame under the generous patronage of first the Duc d'Orléans, and later Louis XIV himself. The book uses contemporary language and expressions, and is therefore suitable for intermediate to advanced students 49 Molière Anne Canal & Victor de la Fuente Bayard Editions B1, B2, C1 1989 1
A practical guide to unusual museums and walks in France 50 Musées et Promenades Insolites Corinne Hewlett Guides Gallimard B1, B2 1996 1
This book develops reading comprehension of intermediate students through sixty enigmas to be solved through reading and pictures 51 Opération Dragon Jaune Julian Press B1, B2 2001 1
The adventures of Stephane Clement, the main character of the comics by Daniel Ceppi. This book is based on Stephane's travels in Pondicherry 52 Pondicherry, filiation fatale Daniel Ceppi B1 1995 1
This book is the story of Alain, the adolescent heir to a huge demesne in the Landes area of France, and his difficulty of being in the world and being loved 53 Un adolescent d'autrefois Francois Mauriac Librio B2, C1, C2 1969 1
This book is about the Lindécis family visiting their aunt Huguette in the countryside on Sunday and their adventures on the motorway 54 Un Dimanche Dingue Jean-Pierre Serenne Bayard Editions A2, B1 1990 1
A series of short-stories by this famous French writer 55 Une Partie de Campagne Guy de Maupassant Librio B2, C1, C2 1996 1

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