An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

477. The French Revolution: The Violence Begins (Part 3)

July 31, 2024

Description

With seismic antecedents such as the Glorious Revolution in England and the American War of Independence, what was it about the French Revolution that saw it become arguably the most important...
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Books Referenced

Reflections on the Revolution in France

Author: Edmund Burke

Context:

Mentioned as 'the most famous example of literary conservatism in history' written in response to the French Revolution

A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens

Context:

Described as 'one of the most influential books on our perception of history that has ever been written' regarding the French Revolution

The French Revolution: A History

Author: Thomas Carlyle

Context:

Referred to as 'his great history of the revolution' which influenced Dickens - this is Carlyle's history of the French Revolution

Citizens

Author: Simon Schama

Context:

Described as one of the most influential history books on the French Revolution, praised for its narrative style and emphasis on violence and costs of the revolution

A Place of Greater Safety

Author: Hilary Mantel

Context:

Referenced as 'her first great historical novel' about the French Revolution - this is 'A Place of Greater Safety'

A New World Begins

Author: Jeremy D. Popkin

Context:

Described as 'a very good general history of the French Revolution' and quoted regarding Louis XVI being brought up to respect reason

The Revolutionary Temper

Author: Robert Darnton

Context:

Described as 'absolutely wonderful' on the topic of coffee houses, pamphlets, and the new political culture in Paris before the revolution