History's Great Defeats - The French Revolution: The Fall of the Monarchy - Hardcover

John M. Dunn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159018064X ISBN 13: 9781590180648

Publisher: Lucent Books, 2002

Synopsis

The Old Regime ruled France for centuries. Comprised of a monarchy, aristocracy, and high-ranking church officials, this tiny elite alone set the rules for Europe's most sophisticated nation. Corrupted by power and wealth, it also bestowed upon itself power, wealth, and privileges denied to the vast majority of France's 25 million people. But by the late 18th century, big trouble brewed for the Old Regime. Motivated by national bankruptcy, food shortages, widespread discontent, and an intellectual crusade known as the Enlightenment, the French people brought down the Old Regime. They also unleashed one of history's most violent revolutions--one that shook the world.

About this title

Review

"Balanced and eloquent. Subtitles in boldface and short highlighted sections on special topics result in an attractive format."
-- School Library Journal (December 2000) (School Library Journal 20001201)

"This is a worthwhile addition."
-- School Library Journal (July 2002) (School Library Journal 20020701)

"The author relates tales of shifting...allegiances, pockets of resistance and internal strife; and of an invading army that was technologically advanced, more disciplined...Using both secondary and primary sources, Barchusen presents convincing arguments. Chapter notes, annotated suggestions for further reading, and a bibliography provide students with other sources of information. Black-and-white reproductions appear throughout."
-- School Library Journal (December 2000) (School Library Journal 20001201)

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-After summarizing events from 1789 to Louis XVI's execution in 1793, Dunn examines why such events occurred, focusing on society, the Enlightenment, and, above all, the monarchy. The book then concludes with a look at the Revolution's impact. Black-and-white reproductions appear throughout. Unfortunately, Dunn makes major factual errors, and the text suffers from awkward writing and internal inconsistencies. Students are better off using Steven Otfinoski's interesting and thorough study, Triumph and Terror: The French Revolution (Replica, 1999).
Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lucent Books
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 159018064X
• ISBN 13: 9781590180648
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 112