The French Revolution

From Enlightenment to Tyranny

De: Ian Davidson

Narrado por: Clive Chafer

A vital and illuminating look at this profoundly important (and often perplexing) historical moment, by former Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist Ian Davidson

The French Revolution casts a long shadow, one that reaches into our own time and influences our debates on freedom, equality, and authority. Yet it remains an elusive, perplexing historical event. Its significance morphs according to the sympathies of the viewer, who may see it as a series of gory tableaux, a regrettable slide into uncontrolled anarchy - or a radical reshaping of the political landscape.

In this riveting new book, Ian Davidson provides a fresh look at this vital moment in European history. He reveals how it was an immensely complicated and multifaceted revolution, taking place in different places, at different times, and in different spheres; and how subsequently it became weighted with political, social, and moral values. Stirring and dramatic - and filled with the larger-than-life players of the period and evoking the turbulence of this colorful time - this is narrative history at its finest.

©2019 Ian Davidson (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Surprise! French language in a book about France

I enjoy history audiobooks as often as possible but as I do not speak French, it was difficult to follow the narrative with so many French (non-English) words.

Expands on the History

A good narrator. A comprehensive explanation of the number of years the French Revolution lasted and the backstory of the negotiations That were held.

Lost in details

The author clearly has an in-depth knowledge of the material. For the non expert, it would be helpful to provide an occasional synopsis or short analysis.

Straight to the point

I like how the author lay down the information about the French Revolution, he goes straight to the point using easy to understand narrative. I recommend this book.

Good, clear overview of the French Revolution!

Nice sorting out of the complex interactions and shifting fights between the various factions. Certainly a good listen.

Not for beginners

If I wasn’t already very knowledgeable about all the names and groups in the French Revolution, I would have been completely lost in the sheer number. There are groups within groups with groups and if I wasn’t paying attention, I’d lose track of what he was saying.

That said, it was a nice overview.

way more info here than I imagined

wow, I'm blown away, so, so much here. amazing book. you need to read this book if you have any interest in the french revolution at all. leaves me wanting to know so much more.

BRILLIANT Pace, Succulent Detail. Bloody imagery

Though the US learned much from the French Revolution. Our enemy was clear--not our kin. Grateful to your sacrifices.

French insanity and the Guiotine

Clive Chafer the narrator pronounces every French word and name in perfect French nasal twang. The detail is astronomical. Many times the detail is so intense that it gets on the way of the story. If you want to know why the French government can be so insane. Listen to this story.

Concise overview of an interesting but complicated period

This is a listenable overview, contained to a 15 hour reading, of an event so complex and subject to so many interpretations that it could easily be three or four times as long. I took a class on the French Revolution 30 years ago in undergrad school and did not remember very much of it. Recent world events renewed my interest, however, so I picked this up. It does not come off as a lecture or dry reading of a historical textbook. Instead, I thought the author and the narrator did a nice job of keeping it lively and engaging to the point where I could listen for long stints in my car without drifting. To keep this material engaging for hours is no easy task, as one could get easily lost in the morass of players and shifting events from this turbulent 5ish year period. I would definitely recommend this as a good introduction to anyone interested in learning more about the French Revolution.