A history and analysis of the art of conversation as practiced by the nobleman (who had the time to perfect such skills) of 17th and 18th century France. Not stinting on scandal nor personality, Craveri includes a generous sampling of letters and profiles of the stylish, witty practitioners (most of whom were women). She ends her study with the French Revolution, when the rich no longer had idle time.  (FRN547, $30.00)