Robespierre: The Voice of Virtue

by Otto Scott

It is a perverse but almost inescapable phenomenon in the history of violent revolutions that after the first heroic days a colorless bureaucrat will inherit the mantle of leadership. In the Russian Revolution, Lenin was followed by a plodding Stalin rather than a dazzling Trotsky. Even after the American Revolution the celebrated Jefferson barely made it into office as president between two party regulars.

The French Revolution was no exception. After the genius and idealism of Mirabeau, Danton, and others who had created the Revolution, it fell into the hands of an unscrupulous and sententious bourgeois lawyer who had been lost among the back benches of the first Estates-General. Like Stalin, Robespierre rose through tireless party service and meticulous attention to detail and finally through the execution of men who had been the real heroes of the Revolution. Unlike Stalin, however, Robespierre was a brilliant orator who ultimately was destroyed on the guillotine by the very terror he had created to eliminate his rivals.

In The Voice of Virtue, Otto J. Scott has created an ironic portrait of hypocrisy in power. This biography is a study in moral arrogance, self-proclaimed virtue, and the effectiveness of brutality in the position of political leadership; it is a reenactment of the events that Robespierre came to personifyâ the Reign of Terror. This political condition has since been re-enacted all too often.

Genres: History, French Revolution, Biography, Nonfiction

266 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Otto Scott was a journalist and author of corporate histories who also wrote biographies on notable figures such as the abolitionist John Brown, James I of England and Robespierre.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

The French Revolution--I am very glad that I didn't have to live through this time and place in history! It was very chilling to read about the leaders making arbitrary decisions that cost so many people's lives. It seemed like some absurdist play, like the Queen in "Alice" shouting "Off with her head!" I can't believe anyone could ever compare the American Revolution, based on a Christian worldview, with the evil French Revolution, based on nothing but the depravity of man.

[Ryeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for those who want an in-depth, honest assessment of the French Revolution and those who lead the parade of murderers, rapists, and philanderers to whom the credit can be given for this horrible period in human history. Otto Scott does a terrific job of writing with prose that read more like a story of intrigue than a history book. I highly suggest it.

[Aaron Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my mind's eye, I envision a rock 'n roll musical moment: Robespierre, standing triumphantly on the bodies of countless victims of the guillotin, waving the tricolor flag, Audioslave's "Set It Off" on the soundtrack. Zoom out and pan left over the skyline of twilit Paris, houses and apartments ablaze, as a church steeple falls. Cut back to Robespierre, gazing menacingly through green tinted glasses. A snarling smile spreads over yellow teeth. Yes, cinematic poetry.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Jack Rader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t realize that I bought a book by an alt-right, neo-Confederate, pseudo-historian of sorts. That is, until I started reading it and it became clear fairly quickly. His argument of moral decadence is lacking and his biases shine through within the first several pages. While he’s a writer who has a talent in prose, this does not make up for Scott’s lack of talent in the study of history. Any student who was taught any bit of craft on research, analysis, and the proper, balanced, examination of history will be sorely disappointed in Scott. He eschews fact and source for his own interpretation. It’s no wonder half the other reviews of this book are Christian nationalist in nature. Of course, I would never recommend destruction or complete avoidance of the book— it reveals much about historical apologists and is fascinating in showing how a substantial component of American society projects their own insecurities onto the past. However, I would recommend another book for those interested in Robespierre and the French Revolution.

[Ben Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simultaneously fascinating and terrifying. History does indeed repeat itself. Cancel culture is the new guillotine.

[Julius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought as a novice to "real" hard history (on this subject) that this was an excellent insight into the being of what turns out in the view of the author a bloodthirsty psychopath.
Then I researched the credentials of the author and my view went from "yes" to "I wonder" .
Well written and paced with much information. But having considered the contents, I would like to read another view.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The French women may be thin and elegant, but they come from dubious stock. I really liked this book, but the graphic violence earned it a 4 star rating. At times brutal and even nauseating I would recommend it with reservations.

[z]

- sometimes frustrating with the several -- unsourced -- conclusions Scott draws about Robespierre, going so far as to instruct us how a certain speech was received without providing or indicating the substance of the speech, and so on.
- still, regardless of the causes it may champion, a mob is a frightening thing, and what Scott has sourced is a frightening depiction of the events of the time.