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Brighter French
— Colloquial & Idiomatic, for Bright Young People (who already know some)
by Harry Thompson RUSSELL
[• click here for biographical notes of this author •]
Volume I of the Brighter French Series
with the original 1927 illustrations by Eric FRASER
[• click here to browse sample pages of this book on PDF >] 
‘… And what wonderful, idiomatic gems he provides for us (with tongue firmly in cheek)… When did readers last read a really good dialogue in a language textbook with a real sense of conversation and a good punchline? For those with faltering school French, these books provide a breath of fresh air, quite a few laughs and some really useful idiomatic French …’
—System Magazine (2010),
Robert Vanderplank,
Director, Language Centre, University of Oxford
'…when you start to read, you giggle. This naughty guide to flappers' French is full of useful phrases. … This is your ticket to gay Paree.'
—Evening Herald (2011)
'…that brilliant anonymous volume Brighter French reveals very clearly the idiomatic raciness of the French language and the essential humanity of those who speak it.'
—N. Scarlyn Wilson, in the Preface of Teach Yourself French (in its 36th impression 1980)
'one of the best French language books ever written.'
—Wiltshire Times (2010)
'…Great Fun.'
—Books Ireland (2010)
'One's only fear is that a complete absorption of its contents might result in the "Bright Young People (who already know some)" knowing a trifle too much!'
—John o'London's Weekly (1927)
A witty guide to sophisticated French (written in 1927 by a remarkable author who concealed his identity for decades):
1. "What did he die of ?"
"Nobody knows. But then nobody knew what he lived on, either."1. « De quoi est-il mort ?
— On ne sait pas. D'ailleurs on ne savait non plus de quoi il vivait. »
Or (to illustrate a use of the subjunctive) —
53. "One moment, Monsieur … I can't see you. I'm in my chemise."
"Take your time, my dear, I'll wait till you take it off."53. « Un instant, Monsieur… je ne peux pas vous recevoir. Je suis en chemise.
— Prenez tout votre temps, chère amie, j'attendrai que vous l'ayez retiré. »
New extended edition. New biographies (with 28 photos) of author, Harry Thompson Russell, and of illustrator, Eric Fraser.
Contains all original drawings, plus many new drawings, by Fraser, who was one of the leading illustrators of the 20th Century.
Ces ouvrages ont le mérite de servir également à l'usage des francophones et des anglophones !
—Equally suitable for French or English speakers !