The French Revolution

by Emma Moreau

New York Times bestselling historian Emma Moreau exposes and analyzes the events that turned ordinary French citizens into revolutionaries - from the attack on the Bastille to the executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to the bloodthirsty Reign of Terror that claimed the lives of more than 40,000 people.

Genres: History, France, Nonfiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2016

Reviews

[Kim Wingerei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing about modern democracy and its challenges, I realised that my knowledge of the French Revolution was somewhat limited and certainly cliched. This is a great summary of the events that led to the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and ended with the coup d’état by Napoleon. It dispassionately tells the story of the endless infighting, backstabbing and atrocities that engulfed the spirit of “liberte, egalite and fraternity”, mocking those fine sentiments into oblivion. The French Revolution did not just kill its children, but its fathers, too, in the end.

It is a concise and well written book, all the protagonists are clearly placed within what was essentially 10 years of utter chaos and terror.

[Adam Meek · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very brief, basic, overview of the French Revolution.

[Alisdair G Keats-Rawling · Rating 4 out of 5]

6 Years in 130 pages

A fast paced, informative and well written view of the political machinations leading up to, and through, the Reign of Terror. Easy to read in a single sitting.

[Len · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief, but factual - a good, quick starter.

[Glen Chern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides the reader with a solid understanding of the factors that contributed to the French Revolution. The author painted a less than complimentary portrait of King Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie Antoinette.

What I enjoyed most about this book was its description of the major characters who led the revolution for the period of really just a handful of years. Perhaps the most memorable of these characters was the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette had assisted the Americans in the American Revolution and brought back to France, many of the Democratic concepts and principles that were enacted, including the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.

I found very confusing the various sects who participated in the revolution and attempted to control the government. It was extremely difficult to keep up with all the different groups, as well as their leaders.

Despite these drawbacks, this book was interesting and fairly easy to read. It kept my attention and made me want to continue reading. I do recommend it for followers of history.

[Janis Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

French revolution is really interesting topic to discuss. I would like to read this book because I was researching on this subject and get some essay samples from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-justification-of-the-reign-of-terror-during-the-french-revolution/ website that really make me interested and involved. I like that period of time from the attack on the Bastille to the executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, so I hope that this book will meet my expectations.

[George Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rousing example of political entropy.

I never realized, until reading this book, the chaos that abounded, over such a period of time (20 yrs?); nor that a republic wasn't really attained, until after a further 16-year dictatorship by Napolean Bonaparte. So much bloodshed...! A truly amazing telling of one of the most modern and powerful nations of the times, almost having gone mad.

[Dennis O'Leary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise

Honestly about all I knew about the French Revolution was "A Tale of Two Cities". This was well done. It would seem almost impossible to condense the entire revolutionary period into 185 pages, but it captured all the main issues, principal players, and a true sense of the turmoil, violence and upheaval of the period.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise summary of the French Revolution. It so happens that just today, on my bookbub list of recommended books is "Marie Antoinette." I recognized that name because of this book. Then on my Facebook feed was a politically charged article titled "Robespierres Of The Sexual Revolution" I recognize that reference as well. Both would have flown over my head had not read that book.

[Thomas Mihalchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dispelled myths

I enjoyed this book a lot. It explains the downfall of the monarchy, the terrible times of the revolution, and the rise of Napoleon in easy to understand language. The number of people who died on the guillotine is astounding. This must have been a terrifying time for the French.

[RichWall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Revelation

The reading of this overview of the French Revolution was indeed a revelation as it explains in easy terms the progress of these historical events which in their telling instructs the reader in such manner that this important history is understood and remembered

[Robert2481 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the past I found the books I read on the French Revolution to be rather tedious. (Perhaps I picked the wrong books.) That was not the case here. This book was quick, to the point, illuminating, & highly readable.

[Haitham Fallatah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy book to read, keeps you engaged.
interesting historical facts.

[Dan A. Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

French Revolution

This is a quick and concise read, without an intense amount of detail. Interesting narrative of a volatile time in France.

[Nisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read and well written overview of the French Revolution.

[P J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Simplistic

Poor, little detail, no characters developed , whole significant chunks of events covered in a few words - disappointing overall

[Chris Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I've read on this topic to date

I'd encourage anyone who's interested in the French Revolution to give this one a look. The insights on Robespierre are especially fascinating.

[Julie Huskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to refresh my memory before moving onto more in-depth works.