Books Like...

The French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert is a chronological narrative that covers the most eventful and important days of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1795. Hibbert's writing style is described as engaging, readable, and almost novel-like, making the tumultuous period come alive for the reader. The book delves into the major figures of the revolution, political movements, and the violence and tragedies that occurred during the era, providing a comprehensive overview of the revolution's key events.

Hibbert's 'The French Revolution' is praised for its concise history of the period, presenting a detailed account of the revolution in a narrative style that is accessible to the average reader. The book offers insights into the political turmoil, major events such as the storming of the Bastille, and the fall of Robespierre, all depicted with vivid detail and immediacy. Readers appreciate the book for its ability to convey the complexity of the French Revolution in a compelling and engaging manner.

Liberty or Death: The French Revolution by Peter McPhee is a comprehensive historical account that delves into the root causes of the revolution, showcasing diverse perspectives and motivations of the revolutionaries. The book skillfully balances macro-level political developments with intimate accounts of the lives of ordinary citizens, providing a human face to this tumultuous era.

Hilary Mantel has written a very long book about the French Revolution, focusing on the Great Terror. The story follows three main protagonists - Danton, Robespierre, and Desmoulins, along with a myriad of other characters, capturing the complexities and intricacies of the era. The narrative delves into the internal struggles of the Revolutionaries, torn between impending invasion by outside forces and the potential for civil war within their own ranks.

'The Oxford History of the French Revolution' by William Doyle is a detailed and comprehensive account of the events that transpired in France during the 18th Century, leading to the downfall of the monarch Louis XVI and the rise of Napoleon. The book delves into the patchwork of politics, economies, and personalities that catalyzed the terrifying and bloody Revolution. William Doyle's scholarly prose provides a friendly introduction to the complex historical period, offering readers a well-researched narrative filled with details and analysis. While focusing on domestic politics within France, the book also touches upon the class struggle, factional dynamics, and the Wars of the Revolution, providing a high-level overview of the political landscape during this tumultuous time.

Doyle's writing style, although scholarly, is deemed accessible for newcomers to the subject. The book is noted for its staggering amount of research and insight on every page, making it a definitive contemporary history of the French Revolution. Despite its academic nature, the book is regarded as a standard text on the revolution, offering a sobering conclusion that the revolution can only be seen as a tragedy. Doyle's comprehensive examination of the Revolution, from the accession of Louis XVI to Napoleon's rise to power, provides readers with a clear narrative of events and a framework for understanding the origins and developments of this historically critical event.

'Vive La Revolution' by Mark Steel is a humorous and engaging take on the French Revolution, told through the lens of a socialist comedian. The book is praised for its lively narrative that brings historic events to life, making them relatable and interesting. Readers appreciate the author's deep understanding of political struggle, as he delves into detailed illustrations to explain various points, making the book an exciting and informative read.

Mark Steel's writing style is described as polemical, biased, and prone to digression, yet it adds to the fun and informative nature of the book. The author's emphasis on the perspective of 'the people' during the French Revolution resonates with readers, who find the book to be a light-hearted introduction to a complex historical event, filled with humor and insightful details.

'A People's History of the French Revolution' by David Fernbach, Eric Hazan is a well-researched account that challenges some of the myths surrounding the French Revolution. It provides a perspective from the masses, highlighting the liberal promise of liberté, égalité, and fraternité while also pointing out the discrepancies between these ideals and the actual events. The book offers a detailed and comprehensive guide to the complexities of this monumental period of political and social upheaval, bringing together different aspects of the French Revolution in a clear and precise manner.

Hazan's writing style is described as fresh and innovative, utilizing direct quotations from historical documents and providing a mix of admiration for Revolutionary ideals and criticism for missed opportunities. The narrative is engaging and intellectually stimulating, broadening the reader's understanding of the French Revolution and making historical events come alive through detailed explanations and context.

'Revolutionary Ideas' by Jonathan I. Israel challenges conventional wisdom surrounding the French Revolution by presenting a radical theory that the Terror was not a deviation but rather an inherent outcome of the Radical Enlightenment philosophers' involvement in bringing about the Revolution. Israel argues that the French Revolution was driven by the ideas of the Radical Enlightenment, leading to a transformation marked by terror, violence, and intolerance. Through meticulous detail and analysis, Israel asserts that his thesis reshapes perspectives on the ideological progression of the French Revolution.

Israel's narrative delves into the distinctions between the Moderate and Radical Enlightenment, highlighting the latter's role in shaping the Revolution towards democracy, freedom, and human rights. By examining the philosophical underpinnings of the Revolution and the involvement of key thinkers like Spinoza, Diderot, and Rousseau, Israel presents a compelling argument that challenges traditional interpretations of the French Revolution's causes and outcomes.

'The French Revolution' by Thomas Carlyle is a comprehensive historical treatise that vividly depicts the chaotic and violent events of the French Revolution. Written in a fresh and immediate style, the book brings to life the chaos and anarchy of the revolution, providing an insider's view of the whole tumultuous period. Carlyle's writing is described as witty, interesting, and action-packed, making the historical events feel urgent and real. Despite being challenging to read due to its archaic English and assumption of prior knowledge, the book is praised for its detailed account of the revolution and its significance as an important historical event.

Eric Hobsbawm's 'The Age of Revolution 1789 - 1848' delves into the profound transformation of the world during this period, attributing it to the 'dual revolution' - the French Revolution of 1789 and the preceding British Industrial Revolution. The book provides a detailed analysis of the social and economic changes brought about by these revolutions, covering aspects such as the emergence of a capitalist society, the rise of the bourgeoisie, the urbanization of the working class, and the impact on global regions beyond Europe.

Hobsbawm's writing style is described as dense and intellectually stimulating, offering a magisterial blend of historical facts within the context of significant historical events. The book not only focuses on political and economic developments but also delves into the arts and sciences of the time, shedding light on the birth of modern sciences and the cultural dimensions of the revolutions. Through meticulous research and polyglot mastery of diverse sources, Hobsbawm provides a comprehensive account of the transformations in the 18th and 19th centuries, essential for understanding subsequent historical developments.