Hum...

[trf-chan.livejournal.com]

I'm supposed to be looking forward to 'Christmas, what I want for' at the moment. I've been looking around for books about The French Revolution, and I was wondering if anyone has opinions on the following:

The Days of the French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert

Fatal Purity: Robespierre and the French Revolution by Ruth Scurr

Saint Just by Norman Hampson

Vive la Revolution by Mark Steel

Thanks!

Comments

[estellacat.livejournal.com]

I've read the middle two, so I'll try to give a brief critique:

Fatal Purity isn't that bad until the last two chapters, despite its over-reliance on sources written by conservative 19th century Britons. The last two chapters are completely unoriginal and if you want the view of history they supply, you could do just as well reading Michelet or even Carlyle.

Hampson's Saint-Just....well, considering he literally refers to Saint-Just as "demonic," you can see why it might be wise to tread carefully.

As to the others, I don't know, but I hope they're better than most, for your sake, if nothing else.

[trf-chan.livejournal.com]

Oooh, thanks. Definitely passing on Saint-Just, then. o.o Fatal Purity...not so sure. As far as widely available, English language books on Robespierre go 'not that bad' is practically a godsend, it seems. -.-

I did some research on Vive la Revolution, and found out it's written by a leftist, and he mocks Schama's Citizens, which can only be a sign of good (or at least one would hope so).

[estellacat.livejournal.com]

I suppose....after all, you're right about the fact that there aren't many English language biographies--good ones, that is. I mean, I could recommend many excellent French biographies, but English gets more complicated. I haven't read it in awhile, but I would say off hand that the one by George Rudé isn't that bad...

Mocking Schama can never be a bad thing. If you do get it, be sure to tell us how it is!