a newbie to the revolution.

[take-a-sadsong.livejournal.com]

Hi there! I'm a homeschooled geeky highschooler, and I've always been interested in the French Revolution since I was much younger. I've read only a couple of children's books about the time, but those two have been some of my favorites (I'm re-reading one of them right now), and the whole culture just seems to fascinate me. However, I have absolutely no idea why there was a Revolution other than the commoners were angry with the royals and all that bit. All my textbooks seem to sort of skim the F. Rev., and focus in much more on The American one instead (which sort of makes sense, since I use American texts. :P).

Basically, I'm a newbie who wants to really get into the whole era, but I have no idea where to start. I know there's probably been a million posts on here of the sort (I apoligize, I couldn't find one!), but I really need book recommendations. :) What is a good starting book(s) for the overall Revolution and the Reign of Terror, that isn't too textbooky and boring? Don't get me wrong, I love dates of events and stuff, but sometimes it gets mind-numbing when the emotion of the times gets cut. If there's a huge book list somewhere for the Revolution, that'd be awesome too. The more the merrier. :)

Also, I have to ask: Was Robbespierre as bad as they all say he was? ;)

thanks so much! :D

Comments

[cobweb-lace.livejournal.com]

I would second A Place of Greater Safety because it's basically written as a narrative and gives an intimate general understanding of the lives of all sorts of people (of all estates) at the time. However, I, too, would add a warning and tell you to read it first, but back it up with some more traditionally academic books so you get your facts straight. I'd recommend Hibbert here again, and also, if you're feeling as though you're up for it, Simon Schama's Citizens, although in some places it can be quite tough going (and it's very long).

It's very difficult to get an unbiased view of anything in history; everybody's writing ends up being biased in one way or another. The best way around this is to read as broadly on the topic as possible and make up your own mind. :)