The French Revolution

by Don Nardo (Editor)

Essays discuss the causes, milestones, social and cultural aspects, and legacy of the French Revolution

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

Don Nardo (born February 22, 1947) is an American historian, composer, and writer. With close to four hundred and fifty published books, he is one of the most prolific authors in the United States, and one of the country's foremost writers of historical works for children and teens.

Reviews

[Chase Parsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. These "Turning Points in World History" books look dull at first glance, but are better than expected. They are not "books" but of a selection of essays about particular topics, and include a solid overview in the introduction section.

Many of the French Revolution essays were insightful! Of the 19 essays, my top 5 were:

5) "The Role of Women in the Revolution" by Olwen Hufton
4) "Intellectual Contributions to the Revolution" by John H. Stewart
3) "The King's Fall From Power, Trial, and Execution" by Norah Lofts and Margery Weiner
2) "How the Revolution's Divorce Laws Affected Private Life" by Lynn Hunt
1) "France's Weak and Frivolous Ruling Couple" by Olivier Bernier

Also, the 14 page introduction about the movement in general was very good. I only wish they had included Napoleon's time; they focus on the Revolution from 1789-99. I also wonder what has been written since this book's publication in 1999.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bare bones collection of works that don't quite go into real detail nor do they provide much guidance in the way of "where to look from here" area. Decent for a lower level undergrad just jumping into European history.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes essays or excerpts from other books by historians and uses them to compile an interesting if incomplete history on the French Revolution.

The book's strengths are those sections which allow you a spotlight on a very specific moment or stakeholder group or figure of the Revolution. The format made it easy to pick up and put down over multiple days, and was a great way to learn supplementary to my French Revolution course.

The Appendix "Excerpts from Original Documents Pertaining to the French Revolution" was much appreciated, as well. Even if I did cry over Terror victim Marquis de Gouy D'Arsy's last letter to his wife.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

A number of essays, written by several different scholars, provide a very basic introduction to this important historical period. This book isn't for those seeking an in-depth study of the French Revolution.

[E. B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok...I didn't quite finish, but I did get the overview of The French Revolution that I desired after seeing Les Mis.