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Charts the French Revolution from its beginnings at an impromptu meeting on an indoor tennis court at Versailles in 1789, right through to the 'coup d'etat' that brought Napoleon to power ten years later. This book explains the drama and complexities of this era.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"The French Revolution" by Christopher Hibbert tells the story of the "Mother of all Revolutions" and is a good introduction into one of the most famous historical events. It focuses on the crucial moments (the storming of the Bastille, the execution of the king and queen, the Great Terror and the rise of a young Napoleon Bonaparte) as well as the main players (Louis XVI, Mirabeau, Danton, Marat, Robespierre and Napoleon).
Hibbert provides a clear overview of a chaotic period, combining detailed descriptions of the events and personal stories together with underlying economic and political developments. "The French Revolution" is packed with information, anecdotes and character profiles, making it a joy to read. The appendix is also worth a look; providing essential background information to the story, explaining French terminology as well as the fate of secondary characters.
The picture that emerges is one that is not altogether different from numerous other revolutions seen since. It could be considered almost a blueprint for future revolutions: those that have against who have-not, one elite replacing another, sinister characters coming to the fore, the power struggles, the radicalization of politics, purges, showcase trials, mass executions of "enemies of the state" and all ultimately ending in military dictatorship. It all sounds too familiar for comfort. I understand better now why the first official political party in my country was named the Anti-Revolutionary Party.
What stands out in "the French Revolution" is the level of violence. The writer's description of the bloodlust of the mob and leaders alike is terrifying, the humiliation and cruelty shown towards opponents is truly shocking and the lack of compassion and mercy is chilling. Reading this book made me shiver more than once and will haunt me long after I put it down. Highly recommended.
Hibbert provides a clear overview of a chaotic period, combining detailed descriptions of the events and personal stories together with underlying economic and political developments. "The French Revolution" is packed with information, anecdotes and character profiles, making it a joy to read. The appendix is also worth a look; providing essential background information to the story, explaining French terminology as well as the fate of secondary characters.
The picture that emerges is one that is not altogether different from numerous other revolutions seen since. It could be considered almost a blueprint for future revolutions: those that have against who have-not, one elite replacing another, sinister characters coming to the fore, the power struggles, the radicalization of politics, purges, showcase trials, mass executions of "enemies of the state" and all ultimately ending in military dictatorship. It all sounds too familiar for comfort. I understand better now why the first official political party in my country was named the Anti-Revolutionary Party.
What stands out in "the French Revolution" is the level of violence. The writer's description of the bloodlust of the mob and leaders alike is terrifying, the humiliation and cruelty shown towards opponents is truly shocking and the lack of compassion and mercy is chilling. Reading this book made me shiver more than once and will haunt me long after I put it down. Highly recommended.
54 of 56 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Well written and easy to read, Hibbert's account of the French revolution is an ideal starting point for those unfamiliar with the period. He makes understanding the shifting political groupings easy and his portraits of the protagonists breathe life into the whole. The description of the rising tide of mob violence is particularly effective.
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This entertaining work concisely untangles the confusing succession of events, actors and institutions between 1789 and 1799. At the vivid depiction of the “journées” and the public serial guillotining, I could imagine myself being part of the haranguing crowd. A disturbing feeling.
However, I was disappointed that the book does not explore the ideas that catalysed this quest for new forms of government and social order.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A pleasure to read
As a first stop for those who just want to get a good idea of what caused the French Revolution, how it panned out and who the main players were then this is a great book to start... Read more
Published 8 days ago by Tara S
The French Revolution
As someone who finds it quite difficult to get into a book and finish it these days, this proved to be an excellent antidote. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Peter
Good introduction to the topic
As a history student who is starting reading for a year long study in to the French Revolution I would reccomend this as a starting point along with The French Revolution:... Read more
Published 10 months ago by D. J. Andrews
Narrative History at its Best
The French Revolution has been called the greatest event in European history since the fall of the Roman Empire, an epic world shaking event that helped shape the modern world... Read more
Published 11 months ago by D. Evans
Could do better Kindle
This is a very readable account but I feel Amazon have done the author a great disservice with this Kindle edition. Read more
Published 19 months ago by J. Chambers
The French Revolution
Christopher Hibbert's book The French Revolution provides a readable account of an important and complex period in European history. Read more
Published 21 months ago by peterb
Visit the Revolution!
This is an excellent overview of the French Revolution. Hibbert brings it to life and makes you feel as though you are there. Read more
Published on 10 May 2010 by Roz.
A very useful synthesis & introduction
This relatively short book is a very useful summary and introduction for anyone who has some awareness of the French Revolution, but needs a context and narrative. Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2009 by nieges d'autan
Perhaps histories most famous, yet least understood, milestone
A brilliant, and insightful account of one of histories most famous, yet least understood milestones. Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2008 by A. J. Smith
A really well written book
I found this book very interesting and well written. If you want to have a complete vision of the French Revolution it's absolutely the best buy.
Published on 7 Jun 2007 by Andrea
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