This is a bit off-topic, but about Norman Hampson: I read his biography of Robespierre a few years back, and while I can't remember the details, I don't remember having a particularly favorable impression. (Oddly, what stands out most in my recollection is how unrealistic I found it that the priest-figment was so much more sympathetic to Robespierre than the Communist-figment, considering the actual record on the thoughts of most real priests and Communists. Really, it was a rather round-about way for Hampson to state his agreement with Condorcet's accusation that Robespierre was like the leader of a cult. Perhaps I'm one of the "unimaginative" persons critiqued in that introduction you just posted, but I must admit, I rather wonder why he bothered.)
I got a copy of Hampson's biography of Saint-Just too, but I'm afraid I stopped reading after he referred to him as Lucifer; I just couldn't take him seriously from that point on.
It seems to me, if I'm not mistaken, that you've recommended Hampson a few times in this community. To be blunt (though I hope not rude), I want to ask: why? I am genuinely curious to learn your thoughts on the matter, because I have a great deal of respect for the way you express yourself in this community. So, care to share?
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-07-16 11:08 pm (UTC)I got a copy of Hampson's biography of Saint-Just too, but I'm afraid I stopped reading after he referred to him as Lucifer; I just couldn't take him seriously from that point on.
It seems to me, if I'm not mistaken, that you've recommended Hampson a few times in this community. To be blunt (though I hope not rude), I want to ask: why? I am genuinely curious to learn your thoughts on the matter, because I have a great deal of respect for the way you express yourself in this community. So, care to share?