Brotherhood (The)

[victoriavandal.livejournal.com]

Are there any not-insane books, chapters etc (I've seen vague references to articles in 'Annales Historiques de la Revolution Francaise') on the role of Freemasonry / Illuminism in the Revolution? (Ken Campbell, theatre performer and benignly nutty theorist, died yesterday and it reminded me...I saw him do a performance in a masonic lodge in Edinburgh - it was being used as a temporary venue - and the iconography carved into the walls etc. was very similar that of the revolution's visual motifs). It seems to be either completely ignored in the 'regular' history books, other than occasional references - Claretie had some item of Desmoulins' masonic regalia, I think - or prompt lunatic frothing rantings in right-wing conspiracy theory books from Thermidor onwards. I presume regular historians don't want to go there because of the nebulousness or the weirdness it generally prompts, but if you're going to discuss Rousseau and co and their influence, it seems ridiculous to then ignore what is also so clearly a factor in the lives of the various players : it would make sense if the Breton deputies were freemasons, for example, but all discussion in books then either vanishes or becomes wild...(and very funny).

History book fail, rescue us from ignorance!

[almostlifesized.livejournal.com]

Hello, I'm Johanne. Pardon this, it's probably not good form to demand something in a first post!

Ehem. My History book, as anyone within screaming distance is aware, is crap. This bothers me, especially as my History teacher is an ignorant pig who deals very poorly with the slightest bit of critique, even when directed towards the copious mistakes in the book and not him. Pointing out to the class that it would be awfully difficult for one man (three guesses who) to be responsible for the entire Terror got me a proper scolding and probably a less-than-wonderful grade.

So, could any of you reccomend me some literature that deals with the lesser known aspects of the revolution, or that clears up some of the common misconceptions? Serious and academic, (semi-)serious and fun, Horrible Histories-style or a really brilliant biography or a documentary, it will all do as long as it will help me a) learn, obviously and b) smack my teacher in the face with my awesome skills.

I'd really appreciate it! :D