Books matching: french revolution
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- #1
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 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 1989- #3
Save:A Tale of Two Cities is a moving, gritty classic that delivers high stakes, memorable characters, and epic storytelling. Stick with it through the slow start and you’ll be rewarded with one of literature’s most powerful finales.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a classic novel set during the turbulent times of the French Revolution. The story focuses on a family caught in the midst of the revolution, showcasing the suffering of innocent people as the tide of change sweeps through society. Dickens masterfully portrays the chaos and bloodshed of the French Revolution, while creating characters that range from noble to evil, with a special emphasis on the enigmatic Sydney Carton. The book delves into themes of oppression, violence, and injustice, offering a gripping narrative that captures the spirit of the era.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we h...1800•497 pages - #4
Save:A fun and influential classic packed with adventure, romance, and clever disguises - come for the undercover heroics, stay for the irresistible charm. Just don't expect subtlety or historical nuance!
The Scarlet Pimpernel is a classic tale of intrigue and romance set during the French Revolution. The story follows the daring adventures of the mysterious Englishman known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, who rescues condemned individuals from the guillotine, while being pursued by a ruthless French agent. The novel is filled with espionage, suspense, and drama, all revolving around the elusive hero and his noble cause. Written in a theatrical style with outrageous intrigue, the book captures the essence of heroism and selfless acts in a time of turmoil and revolution.
The narrative unfolds through the lens of various characters, providing insights into their inner lives and motivations. The plot twists and reversals keep the reader engaged, although some find them predictable due to the book's influence on genre fiction since its publication. Despite the simplistic view of historic events and the florid writing style, The Scarlet Pimpernel remains a captivating read that offers a satisfying tale of good versus evil, heroism, and true love.
ASURGING, SEETHING, murmuring crowd of beings that are human only in name, for to the eye and ear they seem naught but savage creatures, animated by vile passions and by the lust of vengeance and of h...1900•324 pages A deeply researched and vivid plunge into Revolutionary France, seen through the eyes of a complex woman caught between worlds - a must-read for historical fiction fans, though maybe not for those seeking non-stop action or romance.
Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran delves into the life of Marie Tussaud, a wax modeler living during the French Revolution. The story follows Marie's intricate balancing act between creating wax figures for the royal family and making death masks for the victims of the Reign of Terror. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent French Revolution, the novel portrays Marie's struggles to navigate the dangerous world of both royalty and revolutionaries, offering a unique perspective on this historical period. The writing style is described as engaging and compelling, providing a vivid portrayal of Marie's experiences and emotions during this tumultuous time.
ALTHOUGH IT IS MID-DECEMBER AND EVERYONE WITH SENSE is huddled near a fire, more than two dozen women are pressed together in Rose Bertin’s shop, Le Grand Mogol. They are heating themselves by the han...February 2011•507 pages- #6
Save:A witty, swashbuckling romp through the French Revolution - smart, dramatic, and packed with swordplay. Great fun if you love classics and adventure!
'Scaramouche' by Rafael Sabatini is a swashbuckling tale set during the French Revolution, following the life of the protagonist, Andre Louis Moreau. After his friend is killed in a duel by an aristocrat, Andre seeks revenge and embarks on a journey that leads him to become an actor, a fencing master, a politician, and a revolutionary. The book is filled with adventure, romance, political intrigue, and historical events, providing a vivid portrayal of Revolutionary France. The writing style is described as clever, engaging, and fast-paced, with witty dialogue and a complex protagonist that evolves throughout the story.
HE WAS born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad. And that was all his patrimony. His very paternity was obscure, although the village of Gavrillac had long since dispelled the c...1900•354 pages A thoroughly researched, nuanced, and socially rich history of the French Revolution - best suited for readers with some background knowledge or those seeking a fresh, broad perspective beyond Paris and its political stars.
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.
LOUIS XVI MADE HIS CEREMONIAL ENTRANCE INTO REIMS FOR HIS coronation in June 1775 in a massive new carriage weighing one and a half tonnes and costing at least 50,000 livres, about seventy times the a...December 2001•479 pages- #8
Save:Richly detailed and deeply impassioned, this is a feast for historical fiction fans and those curious about revolutionary Paris - just expect a complex, crowded, and occasionally intense journey.
City of Darkness, City of Light by Marge Piercy is a novel that delves into the intricacies of the French Revolution, following the lives of key figures such as Georges Danton, Maximilian Robespierre, and Marie Jean Nicholas Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet, alongside three women who played significant roles - Pauline Leon, Claire Lacombe, and Manon Roland. Through vivid storytelling, Piercy brings to life the political turmoil, personal sacrifices, and intricate relationships of these historical figures during a tumultuous period in history. The book captures the essence of the epoch and provides a deeper insight into the motivations and actions of the Revolutionaries, offering readers a compelling narrative that immerses them in the drama and complexity of the times.
CLAIRE Lacombe was fifteen when she determined she must find a way out. Her brother Pierre’s friend Albert pushed her down on the floor and tried to mount her. He threw her skirts up, almost choking h...1996•574 pages Fast, clear, and packed with insight - a solid starting point for understanding the French Revolution, even if it occasionally prioritizes brevity over depth.
A 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- #10
Save:A gripping, highly readable narrative - ideal as a first foray or a lively companion to weightier histories. History, but make it binge-worthy.
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.
In a quiet corner of the park at Versailles stands that delightful little pavilion of honey-coloured stone known as the Petit Trianon. Designed for Madame de Pompadour, King Louis XV’s entertaining mi...1980•360 pages
