The French Revolution

From Enlightenment to Tyranny

By: Ian Davidson

Narrated by: 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.

decent background on all the players

especially as it relates to the terror and Robespierre. gives a good historical background of what really is a 180 Year revolution culminating in the France of today

A history of the redeem has revolution

This book is basically just a history of the French Revolution from the 3 estates meeting to the fall of Robespierre with a really good epilogue in which the author explains how the French Revolution continued to effect French history for the next 150 years and probably ended either in 1941 with the Vichy government or 1969 with De Gaulle’s resignation.
The book isn’t too complex to follow that is if you can follow the French Revolution (it’s a complex story to begin with). The narrator is very neutral in tone and easy to listen to. Nothing really new about the revolution, this book is just basically a simple narrative of the events.

Great story

Excellent story of Napoleon's life and military genius. Not as good as Churchill book and wish there was a detailed summary/conclusion (as in Churchill). Narration was very good (excellent speaking of English, French, German, etc. names and places) except a bit exaggerated expressions during the first chapters.

Inflection

It seems to me that every time the reader inhaled the word just before would be emphasized. It distracted me so much, that by the end of the second chapter, I stopped listening.

Great content. Annoying BBC reporter delivery

Very good content and detail. Timelines of actions, backgrounds of key actors are clear.
Clearly, a British author by the recurring allusions to a "superior" English historical journey towards a monarchy bounded by enduring laws and institutions.
The whole experience was seriously degraded by the incredibly annoying diction of the presenter. No one actually speaks like he does. very distracting.