A review by huerca_armada
A People's History of the French Revolution by Eric Hazan

5.0

An intimate look at France in the years leading up to, during, and the immediate post-aftermath the Revolution, terminating with Thermidor and the ascent of Napoleon, Hazan has managed to craft a work that is a deep look at all the constituent causes for the events of 1789 and after. While splitting focus between the intrigues of the nascent legislative Assemblies that made up the core of the early revolutionary government, and that of the Committee of Public Safety, Hazan makes good on the title's promise and openly recounts the often ignored mass action in reshaping France. From the storming of the Bastille, the burning of the chateaux, the crisis between country and church, the war in the Vendee, and other points, an effective narrative is presented that is easy to follow and digest even if one has only a brief passing with French history. Highly recommended.