An introduction by Richard Goodman, author of French Dirt, sets the scene for this wide-ranging anthology. From Lawrence Durrell's illumination of a village market at daybreak, to Claire Berlin's hilarious tale from an over-the-top yoga retreat, these insightful stories reveal the good humor and ancient rituals of one of France's oldest and most beautiful regions. Explore the intricacies of local "natural" wine with Kermit Lynch, visit van Gogh's secret world with Alain de Botton, and learn about the making of olive oil with Carol Drinkwater.  (FRN410, $16.95)