Books Like...
'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.
If you liked The Oxford History of the French Revolution, here are the top 10 books to read next:
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.
December 2001•479 pagesA brilliantly written, deeply researched epic that rethinks the Revolution’s causes and consequences, but best tackled by readers ready for intellectual challenge, a mountain of detail, and a nontraditional point of view.
Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama is a detailed and engaging history of the French Revolution, exploring the factors that led to this tumultuous period. Schama's writing style captivates readers with vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, delving into the lives of both revolutionary leaders and ordinary citizens. The book covers the evolution of France from a monarchy to a republic, highlighting the social upheaval and political transformations that occurred during this time.
Schama's narrative provides a comprehensive overview of the French Revolution, focusing on the brutality and violence that characterized the era. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, he offers a nuanced portrayal of the key events and figures, shedding light on the complexities of this pivotal moment in history. Readers are immersed in a vivid account of the revolution, from the upheaval in values to the reign of terror, providing a comprehensive understanding of the societal changes and political upheavals that defined this period.
In the brilliant spring of 1778, Talleyrand went to pay his respects to Voltaire. Even in a society where the worldliness of the clergy was notorious, this was a little unseemly. The ink had hardly dr...January 1989A Short History of the French Revolution by Jeremy D. Popkin provides a concise and insightful overview of the events surrounding the French Revolution. The book starts from the origins of the revolution and explores its key figures, events, and eventual repercussions leading into the age of Napoleon. Despite being only about 158 to 220 pages long, depending on the edition, it covers complex topics clearly and succinctly, making it an accessible read for those new to the subject or looking for a refresher.
Popkin's writing style is straightforward and engaging, making the history come alive without overwhelming the reader with details. He effectively presents multiple perspectives on the revolution's intentions and implications in a limited space. Although some historical nuances and terms may not be fully explained, the book serves as a strong introduction for anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding of the French Revolution and its significance.
1977•192 pages- #4
Save:'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.
2003•296 pages - #5
Save:The Way to the Lantern by Audrey Erskine Lindop is a historical romance novel set in Paris during the French Revolution. The story revolves around Actor Roberts, a charming rogue with a talent for seduction and petty theft, who finds himself in a dangerous situation due to his skills. The plot is filled with quirky characters, mistaken identities, and hairbreadth escapes, all against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the revolution. Lindop's writing style intricately weaves together storylines that range from romance to comedy to gut-wrenching moments, making the reader both laugh and feel deeply moved.
January 1961•421 pages - #6
Save:'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.
On November 18, 1792, more than one hundred British, Americans, and Irish in Paris gathered at White’s Hotel, also known as the British Club, to celebrate the achievements of the French Revolution. Wh...2014•885 pages '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.
France under Louis XVI The king, he said, was the most generous of princes, but his generosity could neither relieve nor reward everyone, and it was only his misfortune to be amongst the number. – Lau...September 2014•432 pagesA challenging yet rewarding classic that ties together the origins of the modern era - best for readers who want to understand the forces shaping today’s world, and don’t mind some academic heft.
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.
THE first thing to observe about the world of the 1780s is that it was at once much smaller and much larger than ours. It was smaller geographically, because even the best-educated and best-informed m...January 1962•408 pages- #9
Save:A sweeping, ambitious epic that's brilliant at humanizing the French Revolution’s main players, but it's also intense, long, and occasionally confusing. For fans of immersive historical fiction who aren’t afraid of a challenge, this is a rewarding read.
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.
NOW THAT THE DUST has settled, we can begin to look at our situation. Now that the last red tile has been laid on the roof of the New House, now that the marriage contract is four years old. The town...1992•820 pages A landmark, eye-opening account of the only successful slave revolution in history - profound, fiery, and challenging, but rewarding for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of liberty, race, and power.
'The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution' by C.L.R. James is a detailed account of the Haitian Revolution, focusing on the leadership of Toussaint L'Ouverture. The book delves into the complexities of the slave uprisings in San Domingo, now Haiti, during the French Revolution. It highlights the unique historical significance of the successful slave revolt, led by Toussaint, against the oppressive colonial forces. Through a mix of historical narrative and biographical elements, the book portrays Toussaint as a heroic figure who fought against slavery and colonialism, ultimately shaping the destiny of Haiti.
The writing style of 'The Black Jacobins' has been described as passionate, fiery, and academic. C.L.R. James combines historical facts with personal insights, offering a comprehensive and unflinching examination of the Haitian Revolution. The book provides a detailed portrayal of the political, social, and economic landscape of the time, shedding light on the struggles faced by the enslaved population and the leadership of Toussaint L'Ouverture in their fight for freedom.
The slavers scoured the coasts of Guinea. As they devastated an area they moved westward and then south, decade after decade, past the Niger, down the Congo coast, past Loango and Angola, round the Ca...1938•449 pages
