France Before the Revolution

ISBN-13: 9780415119450 / Angielski / Miękka / 1995 / 60 str.

J. H. Shennan

Opis

Since the first appearance of this book in 1983, the bicentenary of the French Revolution has been celebrated. In order to make contemporary sense of that momentous and dramatic event, historians have re-examined the world of 18th-century France. This fully revised second edition takes account of this and of other historical work produced during the last decade. It is a concise introductory text for students, covering: the period between Louis XIV's death in 1715 and the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789; France's accomplishments in international affairs, commercial expansion, and intellectual and artistic life; the significance of long-term political, social and economic forces in causing the Revolution; and how the changing perception of government, from one of dynastic, divine-right kingship towards the idea of a national enterprise, first altered the relationship between the crown and the privileged orders, and ultimately undermined the old regime.

Recenzje

'Shennan's effective and concise account is valuable, and a second edition most useful.' - Jeremy Black, The Historical Association

Of the first edition: `Shennan's book is an excellent introduction ... the language is clear and readable and explanations, though scholarly, are easily inderstood.' - D. Macintyre, Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow

`Ideally suited for revision.' - B.S. Jackson, Silcoates School, Wakefield

Spis treści

Chapter 1 Introduction; Chapter 2 The old order; Chapter 3 Problems solved and unresolved: the eighteenth-century balance sheet; Chapter 4 France’s cultural and intellectual influence; Chapter 5 The coming of the Revolution;

O autorze

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University