French Revolution: A History in Documents

The French Revolution: A History in Documents explores the political culture of the French Revolution through first-hand accounts, demonstrating how radical Enlightenment philosophy fused with a governmental crisis to create a moment of new political possibilities. Micah Alpaugh selects a range of pieces, drawing on Parisian, provincial, colonial, and international voices, providing insights into the debates, pronouncements, and proposals that spawned modern politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The French Revolution: A History in Documents delves into the dynamic political landscape of the French Revolution, shedding light on the transformative era through firsthand accounts of revolutionary and counterrevolutionary figures. It showcases how the radical ideas of the Enlightenment merged with a governmental crisis, opening up unprecedented possibilities for political change. This revolutionary moment not only shaped the course of subsequent political movements but also set a precedent for revolutionary aspirations across the globe.

Micah Alpaugh, in his comprehensive work, offers not only a valuable general introduction but also provides essential contextual notes and thematic bibliographies. He has curated a captivating selection of pieces, drawing from a diverse range of voices, including those from Paris, the provinces, colonies, and even international perspectives. This book encompasses a wide spectrum of narratives, from enlightened dissents to apologias for terror, from declarations of human rights to accounts of slave rebellions, from passionate arguments for democratization to the authoritarian pronouncements of Napoleonic rule.

In addition to the classic texts, Alpaugh includes numerous lesser-known sources, several of which are presented in English for the first time. This unique collection of 13 visual sources and over 90 documents, encompassing perspectives from various classes, genders, races, and nationalities, offers a profound insight into the fervent debates, declarations, and proposals that gave rise to modern politics.

The French Revolution: A History in Documents serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and pivotal period of history. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the revolution's political culture, shedding light on the transformative forces that shaped the world we live in today.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350065291