Provence

Provence, on the coastal strip of southeastern France, is often associated solely with the celebrated vacation spot of St. Tropez. This notion is dispelled by Flower's authoritative text and the landscape photography of Waite. The author's claim that Provence is one of the most varied of France's provinces is supported by the evidence presented here of its turbulent history (medieval religious wars); celebrated vineyards (Chateauneuf-du-Pape); weather (long summers, the mistral). Although Provence can be stereotyped as a refuge for artists (Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall) and writers (Stendahl, Kipling, Camus)each of whom was influenced by the restorative landscape of the Mediterranean provincethere is also a dark side: we read of legends and superstitions, see wild and isolated beauty. Flower teaches at the University of Exeter in England. (October 16)