Voices of the French Revolution

by Richard Cobb, Colin Jones (Editor)

The French Revolution as seen through the letters, diaries and journals (many translated into English for the first time) of its supporters, bystanders and victims. Includes modern historical essays by leading scholars enhanced with many illustrations from contemporary sources. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Genres: History, French Revolution, Research

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1988

About the author

Richard Cobb was a British historian. He became Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford, after an initially unconventional academic career in which he spent a dozen years working as an independent scholar in French archives. His work was recognised in France by the award of membership of the Legion d'Honneur. He is known for his work on the background to the French Revolution, and for his autobiographical writings.

Reviews

[James Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, scrapbook-like arrangement.

[Kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sources in this book are unreal. Also, some of the recordings from the Convention are actually hilarious to read. The French sure had a sense of humour

[Matt Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fantastic source for refreshing one's self on the main events and participants in and of The French Revolution. Plus, you can't beat some of the pictures included. Towards the latter pages, there is a striking print of Jacques-Louis David's The Intervention of the Sabine Woman. Good stuff.

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise history of the French Revolution, and the ebbs and flows of political influence during the era. It's peppered with letters from participants, both of noble and lower birth, which lends an air of immediacy and personality to the events described.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first person accounts along with the pictures.

[Su]

Well worth the read, though slow going. Excerpts from first-hand accounts are invaluable!