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Jeremy Black’s ‘France: A Short History’ explores the legacy of this extraordinary country, whose dramatic history is populated by artists, martyrs and revolutionaries, and whose chateaux and cathedrals, boulevards and vineyards continue to enthral the world. In the extracts below, embark on a tour of some key touchstones of French history and culture.

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Endless books, friendly faces, and even some coffee and cake – what more could a book lover ask for? To celebrate Independent Bookshop Week, we’ve rounded up just a few of our favourite indies – the perfect places to pop round to for an hour (or an afternoon).

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From ‘Gamboge Yellow’ to ‘Orpiment Orange’, how does a colour get its name? Here, ‘Nature’s Palette’ author Patrick Baty shares the stories behind five remarkable colours celebrated in the book – including one to be found on the ‘Neck Ruff of the Golden Pheasant’ and the ‘Belly of the Warty Newt’.

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‘Pilgrimage: Journeys of Meaning’ author Peter Stanford explores the extraordinary significance of Jerusalem as a pilgrimage site for believers and non-believers alike.

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As Former Director of the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery, Charles Saumarez Smith is well-versed in the making of a museum. Here he explores the changing role of art museums in our lives, tracing the impact of iconic spaces like the Guggenheim Museum, Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou.

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Gender rebel, anti-artist and master of subversion. This extract from 'Marcel Duchamp (World of Art)' offers an extraordinary glimpse inside the defiant mind of Duchamp – and his female alter-ego Rrose Sélavy.

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In this extract from ‘Plague, Pestilence and Pandemic’, Peter Furtado reflects on the lasting lessons of Covid-19, and what Albert Camus can teach us about the future.

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At the age of 93, Yayoi Kusama is the world’s best-selling female artist. But on her path to success she’s had to grapple with trauma, poverty, sexism, and frightening hallucinations.

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A life-changing accident, an axe-wielding assassin, a tempestuous relationship and more. Discover the remarkable story of Frida Kahlo, whose life and work were shaped by physical and emotional suffering.

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From Frida Kahlo to Grace Jones and famous names to lesser-knowns, these books explore the lives and work of extraordinary creative women across centuries of visual culture.

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