Product Description

Beginning with a discussion of familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, as well as the legends of let them eat cake, and tricolours, Doyle leads the reader to the realization that we are still living with developments and consequences of the French Revolution such as decimalization, and the whole ideology of human rights. Continuing with a brief survey of the old regime and how it collapsed, Doyle continues to ellucidate how the revolution happened: why did the revolutionaries quarrel with the king, the church and the rest of Europe, why this produced Terror, and finally how it accomplished rule by a general. The revolution destroyed the age-old cultural, institutional and social structures in France and beyond. This book looks at how the ancien regime became ancien as well as examining cases in which achievement failed to match ambition. Doyle explores the legacy of the revolution in the form of rationality in public affairs and responsible government, and finishes his examination of the revolution with a discussion as to why it has been so controversial.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16156 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

Review
Small but impressive (Soldier Magazine )

About the Author
William Doyle, is Professor of History at the University of Bristol. His publications include The Oxford History of the French Revolution (1990) , Origins of the French Revolution,(1999), The Old European Order 1660-1800 (1992), and forthcoming from OUP, Old Regime France (2001).

Customer Reviews

Facinating!
I have always been intrigued by the events of the French Revolution, partly because, as an A level History student, I have studied what a profound effect they had on the fight for political reform in 19th century Britain. However, being under an increasingly heavy workload I was understandably looking for a short introduction to the subject. Imagine my delight when I found this book!

"The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction" is the perfect length for me. My favourite part is the introductory chapter, in which Doyle links the events of the Revolution with their representations in literature and contemporary viewpoints. The book is easily divided into causes and effects, allowing a clear understanding of not only the period in question, but those preceding and following. It also contains a very full bibliography, meaning that if I find some time I will be able to read up on the subject in more depth!

To conclude, I would strongly recommend the book to anyone, student or the general reader, who wishes to gain insight into this momentous event in history.

An excellent introduction to the french Revolution
I have read a number of books in the "short introduction" series, and have found them all to be good overviews of the subjects covered. If, like me, you know very little about the French revolution, this books acts as an excellent introduction, not only presenting facts and history, but also analysis of the causes and effects of the revolution. The critics and fans of the revolution are given equal consideration, and the result is a balanced analysis of different opinions on the subject, particularly in light of the recent bicentennial celebrations.

Very well constructed, easy to read.
Few events in history have been so raked over and analysed as the French revolution. The material regarding the latter is often, at times, frenetic and confusing and it is for this reason Doyle's short introduction, not only to the event itself, but the historiography of the event, is so refreshing and extremely instructive and explanitory. Doyle provides a clearly written, comprehensive narrative to the entire affair, whilst delving at times, into the historiographical debates which have, over the years, become part of the history of the revolution itself. Make this your starting point before getting into to Furet and the rest.