An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
545. The French Revolution: The First Feminist (Part 2)
March 06, 2025
Description
Books Referenced
Author: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Context:
Mentioned as Rousseau's novel and 'a massive bestseller' when discussing his influence on revolutionary attitudes toward women. A quote from the book is provided: 'a brilliant wife is a plague to her husband, her children, her friends, her valet, everyone.'
Author: Lynn Hunt
Context:
Described as 'the great scholar of the kind of the culture of the French revolution' with 'particular interest in the role of women in the revolution.' Her scholarly work is quoted regarding the figure of Liberty representing virtue and transcendence of localism. No specific book title is given but her academic work on the French Revolution is clearly referenced.
Author: Olympe de Gouges
Context:
Published on September 15, 1791 as a response to the constitution. Described as 'an obvious parody of the declaration of the rights of man and the citizen' and dedicated to Marie Antoinette. This was a published political pamphlet/treatise.