A New World Begins

The History of the French Revolution

De: Jeremy D. Popkin

Narrado por: Pete Cross, Jeremy D. Popkin

The principles of the French Revolution remain the only possible basis for a just society - even if, after more than 200 years, they are more contested than ever before. In A New World Begins, Jeremy D. Popkin offers a riveting account of the revolution that puts the listener in the thick of the debates and the violence that led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a new society.

We meet Mirabeau, Robespierre, and Danton, in all of their brilliance and vengefulness; we witness the failed escape and execution of Louis XVI; we see women demanding equal rights and Black slaves wresting freedom from revolutionaries who hesitated to act on their own principles; and we follow the rise of Napoleon out of the ashes of the Reign of Terror.

Based on decades of scholarship, A New World Begins will stand as the definitive treatment of the French Revolution.

©2019 Jeremy D. Popkin (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Very good.

About as good a one volume history of the French Revolution you’ll find, and with a very nice reader.

The French Revolution, good and bad

A comprehensive picture of the revolution and its aftermath. Not much color in setting the scenes. The facts are there but little feeling for the people and their motivations.

Great details and well organized

This fine work is probably the best modern work on the French Revolution for experts and nonexperts alike.

Dense but Revolutionary

I teach American Political Science and became interested in French history (without much history background).

This listen was at times challenging. Not lying when I had to rewind a couple of chapters in their entirety because I was lost in the weeds.

However, it was worth it. Well done. Fair. And not too dense to be inaccessible to the casual history, political science nerd like me.

An Interesting Read

I enjoy reading and listening to history, so this was a great choice for me. I learned so much about the French revolution and its many historical players. I did find I had to listen to some parts multiple times because of all the French names and terminology. However overall, I really enjoyed the book!

Brings to life a critical period

Popkin's history of the French revolution delve into several usually overlooked aspects, including race relationships, the position of the Jewish community in the larger society, and decriminalization of homosexuality. I miss the raw feelings that gave rise to it and ended it, something like Dickens accomplishes in the Tale of Two Cities. (Yes, I know this is a history book and not a novel, but still ..)

Clearly read

Pete Cross gives an articulate narration of Popkin’s illuminating, dense, well written historiography of the French Revolution.

Clear and comprehensive

An accessible version of an incredibly complex subject. Coherent and well constructed. Informative and enjoyable. Thank you!

Illuminating

Clarity, detail, and skillful description of people and events. Narration was clear and effective. A fascinating listen.

A great and engaging story

I’ve been looking for a comprehensive introduction to the French Revolution and this book finally meets my needs.

It is well written and easy to follow. As someone who listens to a lot of books on history, I especially appreciate that the author frequently gives dates (it’s a little thing, but goes a long way).

The author is not without his biases (excusing Robespierre and his colleagues, while being critical of Napoleon), but it doesn’t detract from this sweeping story.