Jeremy D. Popkin

A fine collection of witnesses to a historical event, and a useful reminder of how bias operates. I gave up halfway through because it was hard work piecing through the rambling reminiscences of 18th century racists, but I learnt a lot on the way.

This was a long book, but worth the time. I learned a lot! I like the way the author presented the economic, political, cultural and military aspects of the French Revolution. I like the way he included ordinary citizens, women, slavery and colonialism. It's a very complete and balanced presentation. Although I found it hard to keep track of some of the minor players...there were so many people discussed in the book. A list of "characters" would have been helpful.

While I knew a little about show more the French Revolution, I wasn't aware of how many "firsts" it achieved: decriminalization of homosexuality, universal male suffrage, colonials recognized as citizens and the first Black legislator in Europe. I wasn't aware of the expansionist ambitions of the revolutionaries, nor some of their more radical ideas such as removing male children from the home at age 5 to educate them or making people responsible for the misdeeds of their friends. Not to mention the new calendar!

I think my biggest take-aways are that the French Revolution remains an important event that we should study because it dealt with so many issues that are still facing democracies, such as the best relationship between church and state. And, that terms like "liberty" and "equality" mean very different things to different people, then and now. show less

3.75

Excellent overview given a unique perspective by the author's emphasis on the revolution's often contradictory views on the rights of women and on slavery in the Caribbean colonies. I much preferred this to Simon Schama's Citizens.