The Bottom Line
The best single volume history of the French Revolution.
Pros
- Well written
- Manageable size
- Brilliant contents
Cons
- Slightly dry
- Little social or cultural detail.
Description
- Paperback, 481 Pages
- Appendices include timeline and brief historiographical survery.
- ISBN: 0192852213
Guide Review - The Oxford History of the French Revolution (Second Edition) by William Doyle
This detailed narrative history expertly covers the political aspects of the revolution, while separate chapters on the revolutionary wars, occupied Europe and the European response place the revolution firmly in its international context. The dates are also broad, covering both the Directory and the Consulate which some books ignore. Unfortunately, this doesn't leave much room for social, cultural or thematic information, but there are other works on the market which fill this gap, including Schama's Citizens.The book is well written throughout and topics flow smoothly into each other, but Doyle's text is possibly too dry for some tastes. The book is also a perfect size, being neither large enough to seem off-putting, nor small enough to skimp on material, but it isn't for those after quick answers and isn't detailed enough for experts. It is, however, a perfect introductory volume for anyone serious about their reading and has been widely praised for its scholarship, insight and value.
