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Beginning with a discussion of familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, as well as the legends of let them eat cake, and tricolours, Doyle leads the reader to the realization that we are still living with developments and consequences of the French Revolution such as decimalization, and the whole ideology of human rights. Continuing with a brief survey of the old regime and how it collapsed, Doyle continues to ellucidate how the revolution happened: why did the revolutionaries quarrel with the king, the church and the rest of Europe, why this produced Terror, and finally how it accomplished rule by a general. The revolution destroyed the age-old cultural, institutional and social structures in France and beyond. This book looks at how the ancien regime became ancien as well as examining cases in which achievement failed to match ambition. Doyle explores the legacy of the revolution in the form of rationality in public affairs and responsible government, and finishes his examination of the revolution with a discussion as to why it has been so controversial.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
49 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have always been intrigued by the events of the French Revolution, partly because, as an A level History student, I have studied what a profound effect they had on the fight for political reform in 19th century Britain. However, being under an increasingly heavy workload I was understandably looking for a short introduction to the subject. Imagine my delight when I found this book!
"The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction" is the perfect length for me. My favourite part is the introductory chapter, in which Doyle links the events of the Revolution with their representations in literature and contemporary viewpoints. The book is easily divided into causes and effects, allowing a clear understanding of not only the period in question, but those preceding and following. It also contains a very full bibliography, meaning that if I find some time I will be able to read up on the subject in more depth!
To conclude, I would strongly recommend the book to anyone, student or the general reader, who wishes to gain insight into this momentous event in history.
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have read a number of books in the "short introduction" series, and have found them all to be good overviews of the subjects covered. If, like me, you know very little about the French revolution, this books acts as an excellent introduction, not only presenting facts and history, but also analysis of the causes and effects of the revolution. The critics and fans of the revolution are given equal consideration, and the result is a balanced analysis of different opinions on the subject, particularly in light of the recent bicentennial celebrations.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Fans of this series of books will know that most are very good, a few are duds, and a fair number are amazingly good. Professor Doyle's review of one of the major events in European history is firmly in that last category.
It is both an account of the events themselves and an overview of how they have been interpreted. The subject is complex and has aroused strong opinions across the ideological spectrum. Doyle gives all sides a fair hearing, but with the occasional wry comment that hints at where his own sympathies lie. The emphasis throughout is on the broader historic context rather than being an attempt to cram details into a short introduction. Both readers new to the subject and those looking for a review of where studies in the area now stand will be well served by this book.
[PeterReeve]
It is both an account of the events themselves and an overview of how they have been interpreted. The subject is complex and has aroused strong opinions across the ideological spectrum. Doyle gives all sides a fair hearing, but with the occasional wry comment that hints at where his own sympathies lie. The emphasis throughout is on the broader historic context rather than being an attempt to cram details into a short introduction. Both readers new to the subject and those looking for a review of where studies in the area now stand will be well served by this book.
[PeterReeve]
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Surprisingly useful
I really like this book. It is very short, yet has a lot of information included, including primary sources such as caricatures made at the time and quotes. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Leanne
A great commentary to the French Revolution.
When I started studying the French Revolution at AS, I realisied just what a complicated series of events it was! Read more
Published 17 months ago by Niki_gir
The French Revolution-a very short introduction
Quite useful for reference purposes, but very dull and the small print was rather off-putting.
Published on 4 Feb 2010 by Mrs. M. Key
Very useful- would recommend
This is very useful book, and a brilliant introduction to the French Revolution. Although only short do not be deceived, because it still gives you a useful background of the... Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2009 by Lindsay Aslan
A Godsend
It wasn't until I started studying the French Revolution and realised what a vast and sprawling subject it is that I had to admit how little I knew about it. Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2007 by Mrs. K. A. Wheatley
Good on legacy of the revolution, weak on the revolution itself
I knew nothing about the French revolution before I bought this book, so decided to give myself a brief introduction. Read more
Published on 24 May 2007 by M. McManus
Very well constructed, easy to read.
Few events in history have been so raked over and analysed as the French revolution. The material regarding the latter is often, at times, frenetic and confusing and it is for this... Read more
Published on 21 Sep 2003 by Mlp29
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