The main problem I have with Danton is easily summed up: It has nothing to do with the Revolution as portrayed in reputable historical sources--and not just because it's really about Poland--but people think it does. If people realized that everyone and everything in it is not merely a caricature but a caricature of a caricature, then perhaps I wouldn't have such a problem. (Even in the play it's based on, it's clear the author didn't really understand the Revolution.) I've enjoyed some of Darnton's work, but I still can't help finding this essay, as victoriavandal says, patronizing and even contemptuous of French historians of the Revolution, as well as French politicians, etc. On the other hand, it may be that I would feel differently about it if I read it in the context of his book, (though I must admit I doubt it).
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-08-21 10:28 pm (UTC)