The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

click here for more details, find new or used items	William Doyle Our price £4.52 (£7.99) New from £1.38 Used from £1.22 Pages: 152 (Paperback) ISBN: 0192853961 Pub: Oxford Paperbacks Pub date: 2001-08-23 Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 15786

Reader Reviews:

Vive la Very Short Introductions! (1/1 people found this helpful)

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]

A Godsend (1/2 people found this helpful)

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. I realise that I garnered nearly all my knowledge from the Scarlet Pimpernel books which I read obsessively as a teenager. Obviously it won't cut the mustard as a authentic history, so back to the drawing board. It was a relief to find this book. It's concise, eloquent without being too wordy and gives a much needed overview of the subject. It is clear from reading this that the French Revolution is still a very contentious topic amongst historians, and having this gloss on the subject was very welcome indeed. It is a great starting point for showing you directions in which you may wish to carry your studies forward. It has a basic timeline and key events, as well as details on movers and shakers and factions. It covers how the study of it has developed and has some good illustrations. Very useful.

Good on legacy of the revolution, weak on the revolution itself (2/3 people found this helpful)

I knew nothing about the French revolution before I bought this book, so decided to give myself a brief introduction. The book is organised into chapters, each covering a totally different aspect of the French revolution. The book's main emphasis is on the legacy of the French revolution in its aftermath, and as such is slightly weak in terms of its explanation of the revolution itself. Consequently, whilst this book would give you a good overview of what the aftermath of the revolution was, and its significance to today, you may find the coverage of the revolution itself rather brief. Indeed, one minute we are at a conference in Paris, the next we are with Napoleon's armies in Egypt, with the reader not quite sure as to how we made this leap. In conclusion, the book is good for those who want to know about the legacy of the revolution, but less so for those interested in the events of the revolution itself.

Very well constructed, easy to read. (15/17 people found this helpful)

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 reason Doyle's short introduction, not only to the event itself, but the historiography of the event, is so refreshing and extremely instructive and explanitory. Doyle provides a clearly written, comprehensive narrative to the entire affair, whilst delving at times, into the historiographical debates which have, over the years, become part of the history of the revolution itself. Make this your starting point before getting into to Furet and the rest.

Facinating! (26/28 people found this helpful)

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.

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