"In The Artisans and Guilds of France, author Francois Icher explores the little-known history and modern-day significance of these groups of craftspeople who are important not only to the culture of Europe but to cultures around the world." "Icher chronicles the fascinating history of these organizations, beginning in the Middle Ages, when journeyman workers applied their special skills to building the major monuments of France, such as the cathedrals at Chartres, Orleans, and Strasbourg. Despite disagreements with the church and crown, workers' strife and competition between crafts, and even the Industrial Revolution, which introduced the mechanization that nearly rendered obsolete fine handcraftsmanship, the artisans' guilds have endured." "Today's French guild system has expanded its membership to include such diverse workers as automobile designers and pastry chefs, and its members participate in projects across the globe."--BOOK JACKET.