An enjoyable and interesting journey
The Lauragais is a region in France between Toulouse and Carcassone bordered by Castres in the north and Pamiers in the south. The author has lived in the region for twenty years and has developed a deep affection for it. Interspersed with his personal commentaries we learn of the region’s rich history over the centuries. An enjoyable and interesting journey which touches on the Cathars in the 13th century, the troubadours, fortunes made from pastel in Toulouse, the building of the Canal du Midi and finally the French resistance in the area during WWII. Diane James, Goodreads review, 24 February 2021 Beautifully written and cleverly structured
I have just finished reading « Lauragais » and was as sorry to put it down as you were to finish researching it! It is beautifully written and cleverly structured. A real pleasure to read. I particularly appreciated shuttling between the big historical events and the smaller histories of our region, as well as your personal encounters. As a Lauragais resident of forty years, I have been using the book as a template for family excursions to visit familiar places with so much more understanding of their history and connections to each other. Jeremy Mell, 8 February 2021 Extraordinarily well written
As someone who has been visiting this area for more than 30 years I have found this book incredibly interesting! It reveals facts previously unknown to me about places I know very well and it is extraordinarily well written! Thank you! Phil Bailey, Troubador Books review, 18 December 2020 A special place in the heart
An excellent read and a great insight into an area I am very familiar with! At present we live in England but when in France I can walk to Montgey in half an hour! As you have obviously found once visited it is a region that holds a special place in the heart. mouzens81, 3 October 2020 Thanks for writing it
Finished reading your book the other day. Loved it!! Thanks for writing it. Claire Bridgman, 28 July 2020 A fabulous read
If you have any interest in gathering history of south west France this is a perfect read! I’ve enjoyed every word. Claire B, Amazon review (5 star), 22 July 2020 Something good to read
I loved your book. I spent parts of my childhood near Lautrec (in the 60s and 70s) and have always wanted something good to read on the area - thanks! Mia Fuller, 8 July 2020 Brilliant book, thank you
I am enjoying your book tremendously... brilliantly written and brimming with information about the history of this part of France. John Hale, 7 July 2020 Thank you for a great read
I have just finished reading your book and found it fascinating and compelling. I have visited the region on a couple of occasions and understand your passion for it; to learn more of its history has been a joy. Thank you for a great read; are there any more in the pipeline? Jayne Findlay, 16 June 2020 What a great approach to the history of an amazing area
Hi Colin, I finished your book and it was extremely interesting and entertaining, except for all those wars and death. What a great approach to the history of an amazing area. My house is in […], between Narbonne and Carcassonne. You should write a history of this area, bet you get tired of hearing about what you should do, right?...Keep safe, and keep up the good work. Roger Allen Polson, 13 April 2020 Well done!
Enjoyed #lauragais very much. Great history on our area and well researched and written. Well done! Sadie King on Twitter, 3 April 2020 Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts
Fascinating story of part of France that has escaped the attentions of historians but not of invaders, businessmen, crooks, soldiers and wily farmers. Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts who opened their doors to show him the deepest corners of their cellars and the darkest secrets of their past. It is a tribute to Colin's nature, which shines through in his writing, that a foreigner evinced such openness and reveals not just the official history but the very personal stories of those who witnessed it, and those who dug it up again many years later. S Warrior, Goodreads review (5 star), 3 March 2020 I was hooked by the introduction
I bought the Kindle version yesterday and can't stop reading it! I was hooked by the introduction, as Puylaurens is just down the road from where I live. I'd highly recommend it to anyone! Gary Davey, 24 February 2020 A wonderfully written story of discovery of the Lauragais region of France
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - a deep dive into the sometimes turbulent history of this part of France. The book is a wonderful blend of the author's story of discovery and the story of the region's history. Ralph H Padgett, Amazon review (5 star), 20 February 2020 Excellent cross-reference book
I am reading this book very slowly and selectively with a lot of cross referencing with maps and Google Earth. So far it has not disappointed. I know the area well and it supports my expanding knowledge of this fascinating part of France. I couple it with The Discovery of France by Graham Robb. Dr L, Amazon review (5 star), 15 January 2020 Thanks for a good read
I received your signed book as a Christmas present (my wife and daughter bought it from you at the Cracker Fair at Abbaye de Valmagne). I just want to say that I am really enjoying it and offer my congratulations. It encourages me to learn more of the local history here in Beziers where we have lived since moving from the UK in the spring of 2019. Thanks for a good read, and all the best for 2020. Alan Kiltie, 3 January 2020 What a great read. I loved it!
Merci mille fois for having written such an accessible and wry book about the history of the Lauragais. SUCH an approachable tome. I have tried many a time to find a book which would explain Catharism etc without being too dry and your approach is impeccable. I initially bought it for my daughter-in-law who asked "Well what was the importance of this region, because it is obvious that it was important at one time?" But she will get a second copy as I want to keep this! We have had a little house in Molleville, near Mas Stes Puelles for 17 years, and like you, adore this relatively neglected corner of France. I shall certainly investigate more some of the places you mention. What a great read. I loved it! Thank you. Estella Archibald, 20 December 2019 So good I had to buy the book twice
The Lauragais is a region that has always intrigued me. Probably because i have a house there. That said once you begin i would defy anyone not to become hooked. Not only is it a beautiful, but full of surprises. The author describes the area with equal passion and knowledge and despite spending a great deal of time there i have learnt so much more. This book goes beyond a "history" book - they can be quite dry and of course full of facts. This however offers all the facts in an enticing way that makes you want to book a flight right away. My initial purchase for this book was on my kindle. I also had to buy a hard copy so that i could use it as a reference guide with easy access. I am eagerly awaiting the authors next book. LD, Amazon review (5 stars), 4 November 2019 Your book has given me so much more to look forward to
I have just finished your book (Kindle version) and have had to buy a hardback too (so that I can keep referring back to it). We have a house in Castelnaudary and loved the region from the start. Your book has given me so much more to look forward to on our visits and filled in a whole load of gaps in history that I had. Sometimes history books like this are quite dry and difficult to read. This however was lovely and I couldn't wait for my next commute journey so that I could get on with the next instalment. Thank you. Lesley Davies, 24 October 2019 I enjoyed it very much and it answered such a lot of questions
Colin, I really enjoyed your book and, as we are living on a barge on the Canal du Midi, I can and will visit a lot of the places that you mention. Nigel Charman, 21 September 2019 ...a unique and refreshing style...
A brilliant book that captures the history of an area of France that I'm sure most of us would never have considered being so significant in shaping modern day life. The book is thoroughly detailed yet never overwhelmingly technical and is written in a unique and refreshing style that makes it hard to put down. Anyone with an interest in history, France or simply a good, well-written book must read Lauragais. James Owens, Troubador Books review, 1 September 2019 A marvelous addition to my holiday
Having just (July 2019) traveled through Lauragais and visited a number of key historical sites, I was delighted to find a book that tied these separate experiences together over time and space. Colin's book brought the area to life in a comfortable way, providing both personal color and depth of detail around specific events as well as creating the link with the current inhabitants. As an experienced traveler with intense interest in history, I found Colin's book a marvelous addition to my holiday. Jeffrey Brown, 2 August 2019 Thanks for a ripping read
I've just finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed every page, subject and moment of history within the Lauragais. When moving to France and this area I knew it would have plenty of history but nothing prepared me for so much within a stone's throw of our house. Jayne is itching to read it now after many comments whilst I was reading it like" you'd never guess what happened up the road in..." etc... Thanks for a ripping read. Steve Simmons, 28 July 2019 'Lauragais' makes a terrific guide
The countryside of the Lauragais straddles the Canal du Midi and the Montagne Noire south east of Toulouse. Colin is a keen cyclist and a sociable soul, and has walked, ridden and interviewed his way into a past speckled with pastel (that’s woad to us Brits), cassoulet, windmills and pigeonniers, and knee-deep in gore – Cathars, crusaders, Protestants and Catholics killing and dying in the Albigensian Crusades and the French wars of religion. As a style of history-telling, Colin’s conversations with locals in the know caught me out at first, but his enthusiasm and the voices of his interviewees lighten the scholarship, and you want to know what he finds out next. It’s a treat to learn more about events you thought you knew, those battles and campaigns and the peaceful industry of the area. Places too. I was particularly taken with Colin’s climb to a belvedere. I am familiar with the valley over which it looks, but I had no idea that such a watchful guardian stood there. And why not see for yourself? Come on, Lauragais makes a terrific guide. Head from Toulouse into the Tarn or the Aude. Find a field of wheat rippling in the breeze and imagine the awfulness of the day on which thousands of men of one religious persuasion ambushed and slaughtered thousands of a marginally different one. The narcissism of small differences doesn’t quite cover it. David Matthews on www.davidmathewsstories.com 15 July 2019 I am entranced
I am half way through "Lauragais" and I am entranced. You must have had so much fun researching and writing. Many of the places mentioned are familiar to me - not least through cycling. Chris Lawton, 23 July 2019 I nearly swooned when I spotted a copy of your book
My wife and I are Americans who are considering the acquisition of a part-time residence in Southwest France…we have been particularly drawn to the Lauragais…in part because of my fascination with topics like the Albigensian Crusades and the pastel trade, and in part because it's just such a lovely area. So I nearly swooned when I spotted a copy of your book at the gift shop of the Abbaye-Ecole de Sorèze. I'm only partway through it, but it addresses exactly the kinds of questions I have had about the area, and it has definitely heightened our enthusiasm for the Lauragais. Thanks very much for a job well done. Jim Cumbie, 10 July 2019 A thoroughly enjoyable read
Eight centuries of history described in a single book. I had no idea so much has happened in this area across the ages. 20 years of exploration and research have been recorded by the author resulting in a fascinating account of this area of France. Well done Mr Taylor. John Owens, Troubador Books review, 17 May 2019 A fascinating read
A very well written and enjoyable book that I could not put down. Colin writes in a way that really engages the reader. I particularly liked the way he wrote about his travels to the historic sites in the present to tell the history of that area. Having visited some of this part of France I cannot wait to return. B Owens, Amazon review (5 stars), 6 May 2019 I'm really enjoying your book
Just to let you know I'm really enjoying your book. The region that I already love so far has even grown in depth by your book. Gerlof Bosma, 26 April 2019 Took me back to the many happy hours I spent discovering the Lauragais
I have just finished your book given to me by E__M__. As a one-time owner of Vigouroux, in Soreze, and currently living near Cordes-sur-Ciel, it immediately took me back to the many happy hours I spent discovering the Lauragais. I really enjoyed reading about places I know from visits I made to a lot of the places you describe, but to have their history filled in with such depth was extremely interesting. Carolyn Eaton, 23 April 2019 Wonderful!
Just to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. We've lived in the beautiful Lauragais since 2004 and know many of the places that you've described, but not the underlying history. I love the way you have woven the past and present into a very readable account. Wonderful! Julie Locke, 22 April 2019 A perfect book for your bookshelf
Fascinating story of part of France that has escaped the attentions of historians but not of invaders, businessmen, crooks, soldiers and wily farmers. Colin Taylor tells his story of discovery as a guest of countless French hosts who opened their doors to show him the deepest corners of their cellars and the darkest secrets of their past. It is a tribute to Colin's nature, which shines through in his writing, that a foreigner evinced such openness and reveals not just the official history but the very personal stories of those who witnessed it, and those who dug it up again many years later. Tony Milne, Amazon review (5 stars), 3 March 2019 Once you start reading the book, you will not be able to put it down
‘Lauragais’ - steeped in history, soaked in blood - well indeed it is, who knew there was so much history to learn about the sleepy, beautiful countryside in the South West of France? This beautifully written book is appealing to all in the easy manner it unfolds, beginning with the plight of the Cathars in 1211 to the great fire of Toulouse in 1463 and the beginning of the noteworthy ‘Pastel’, to the twentieth century wars. Mr Taylor uses clear, friendly and informative language to persuade the reader to be a part of the major events that unfurl in his historical research into the localities of the Lauragais. His passionate involvement in the area give a real and personal insight into how it all unfolds and thereby making the book ‘a darn good read’. I would thoroughly recommend this book to all who have the slightest interest in South West France, because once you start reading the book, you will not be able to put it down. Suzie Garner, Amazon review (5 stars), 4 February 2019 Certainly worth a place on anyone's bookshelf
An unusual first book from this author. Unusual in that he skilfully draws together a fascinating mix of history and travel in a very readable and well researched narrative to take the reader with him on a journey exploring the past and present through a little known area of SW France. From the endless bloody religious wars fought over this land, to the more romantic story of the Troubadours, of the ubiquitous Pastel dye and the Canal du Midi; to the deeds of the French Resistance during the German occupation in the second world war. All this makes for compelling reading. Certainly worth a place on anyone's bookshelf. A new author of whom we shall surely hear more. Aan Keith, Troubador Books review, 4 February 2019 I have enjoyed a lot your book
As a student in English class at the Université du Temps Libre in Toulouse, I have performed a presentation of your book to the students which was well received. You will find attached the slide show! Jean Caprais, 17 January 2019 A must for anyone connected to the area
A well written and researched book that encourages you to follow the author on his adventures (both real and sometimes imagined) through the centuries of modern day "Lauragais". He adopts a very lucid style, helpful for the non native English speaker. Keith John Taylor, Troubador Books review, 28 December 2018 Very good book. Loved the characters and world building!
There were a few moments where I found the story to be moving along a little slowly, but they definitely didn't last very long. Definitely a to-buy! Alicia Mann, NetGalley review, 18 November 2018 Highly recommend to history readers or anyone interested in Europe
The subject was very interesting. This book tells the story of a region of France whose history is really the history of Europe. The author, whose work was new to me, writes in an extremely engaging way. I really enjoyed this and was very glad I took a chance on it. Highly recommend to history readers or anyone interested in Europe. Thomas Lambe, NetGalley review, 6 November 2018 A stylish history of a delightful French region
All too often descriptions of little known parts of France are dry, skimped works that tell you more about the writer than the place itself. Not this one. I know this region well, but this book reveals much that will enhance my appreciation of the people who live here and the culture they treasure as only the French can! If you live here, or plan to visit the Lauragais, this is for you. If you are one of millions who speed through at maximum revs . . . take the first turning off the motorway once you leave Toulouse and treat yourself to the real France. Jonathan Veale, Amazon review (5 stars), 20 October 2018 |
Un livre passionnant
Merci pour ce livre passionnant sur ma région du Lauragais. Henri Vernazobres, 22 septembre 2020 Il adore votre livre
Bonjour. Je vous fais le retour sur votre livre. Une cliente est passé ce matin et a offert ce livre a son beau-frère. Il adore votre livre et, grâce à lui, il découvre la région. Il vous remercie beaucoup de l'avoir écrit. Bonne journée. Librairie Ejea, Villefranche-en-Lauragais, 17 janvier 2020 Votre livre...est remarquable
Votre livre m’a été donné par mon frère de votre part.Je viens de le terminer,il est remarquable et j’ai appris beaucoup de détails que j’ignorais bien que natif de Revel. Il est facile à lire car bien structuré en chapitres assez courts chacun. Je ne suis pas sur qu’il existe des livres en français sur le Lauragais qui donnent en 350 pages une synthèse aussi claire de mille ans d’histoire. Cette région de France complètement oubliée lorsque j’étais jeune est en train de devenir recherchée comme beaucoup de provinces tranquilles.J’ai connu la cité de Carcassonne et le canal Paul Riquet sans aucun touriste! Bravo encore et je serai très heureux de faire votre connaissance lors d’un passage à Revel l’été prochain. Pierre Palasi, 19 octobre 2019 J'ai déjà recommandé ce livre deux fois!
I try in English but will probably finish in French ....what a journey through your book! I've just finished it and "feel a sense of relief" because it was so "dense " so enthralling, je voulais arriver à la fin pour reprendre le cours de ma vie habituelle... C'est vraiment un ouvrage extraordinaire qui retrace parfaitement, avec précision et un style enlevé près de 750 ans d'histoire. Je crois bien qu'une telle épopée est inédite! La lecture de ce livre est passionnante pour qui traverse le Lauragais! C'est romancé, synthétique et très utile pour la compréhension de cette région de France. Merci pour cet énorme travail de recherche qui m'a vraiment éclairée sur cette région que je connaissais partiellement et qui m'apparaît maintenant plus familiére! Ginette Durand-Gorry, 5 octobre 2019 Un récit passionnant, agréable à lire, très didactique
Après une carrière professionnelle en Grande-Bretagne, l’auteur s’est installé dans le Lauragais et s’est pris de passion pour l’histoire de la région. Dans une succession de chapitres bien documentés, c’est l’histoire du Lauragais qu’il nous remémore depuis la Croisade des Albigeois jusqu’à la chute du Premier Empire et la bataille de Toulouse ; à côté de l’histoire proprement dite, il s’est aussi attaché à évoquer les principaux faits de société : les troubadours, la création des bastides, la culture du pastel ou encore le canal du Midi. Il a tenu à retrouver et à visiter tous ces lieux chargés d’histoire et nous livre un récit passionnant, agréable à lire, très didactique, émaillé de ses impressions personnelles, de ses rencontres et d’anecdotes qui ont jalonné ses recherches. Un excellent moyen de faire des progrès en anglais. Jean-Pierre Suzzoni, 21 novembre 2018 'Lauragais' procure beaucoup de plaisir
Cher Mr Taylor, Merci pour dimanche dernier ; la réception que vous nous avez offerte à Garrevaques m’a fait passer des moments d’une qualité vraiment spéciale. Comme je vous l’ai dit, je pense qu’en tant que citoyen du Lauragais depuis plusieurs générations et très attaché à ce pays, je me dois d’être flatté par l’énorme enthousiasme qui vous a porté vers le Lauragais et par votre amour de la France. Mais il n’y a pas chez vous que l’enthousiasme. Votre grand talent se devinait déjà dans l’organisation fouillée de ce lancement de votre ouvrage et je le retrouve parfaitement exprimé dans le livre lui-même. Car je me suis jeté sur Lauragais et je viens de le terminer à l’instant. Bien sûr, aucun des neuf sujets qui le composent ne m’est inconnu, mais j’ai pourtant beaucoup appris : vous avez comblé une multitude de lacunes dans mes connaissances ou mes souvenirs. Il s’agit surtout de détails, mais pas seulement. Vous mettez fin à un grand nombre d’incertitudes. En plus de son utilité, Lauragais procure beaucoup de plaisir : la vivacité de votre style et l’humour de certaines de vos remarques sont très divertissants ; la précision du récit historique et de la description des lieux et des personnages s’accompagnent d’une vue d’ensemble et d’une réflexion vraiment profondes. En arrivant à la fin j’ai eu l’agréable surprise de trouver l’adresse de votre site et l’invitation à vous donner mon opinion sur votre livre (c’est fait). Bernard Jean, 25 octobre 2018 |