Historical Dictionary of the French Revolution

(Hardback, Second Edition)

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The French Revolution remains the most examined event, or period, in world history. It was, most historians would argue, the first modern revolution, an event so momentous that it changed the very meaning of the word revolution, from restoration, as in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England, to its modern sense of connoting a political and/or social upheaval that marks a decisive break with the past, one that moves a society in a forward, or progressive, direction. No revolution has occurred since 1789 without making reference to this first revolution, and most have been measured against it. One cannot utter the date 1789 without thinking of revolution, and so significant were the changes unleashed in that year that it has come to mark the dividing line between early modern and late modern European history Kings This second edition of Historical Dictionary of the French Revolution covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 400 cross-referenced entries on the causes and origins; the roles of significant persons; crucial events and turning points; important institutions and organizations; and the economic, social, and intellectual factors involved in the event that gave birth to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about this period.

Reviews

The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the French Revolution, by Hanson (Butler Univ.), amplifies the stellar first edition by adding 80 more entries and updating the preface to speak more to the global ramifications of the revolution. As with the original work, the entries are cross-referenced to encourage readers to look up important players, events, dates, and other pertinent information in related entries. The dictionary is compiled in the traditional alphabetical style in English, with some French entries where necessary (and demarcated by italic type). Of particular note is the more than 60-page bibliography, which is a trove of useful sources to aid further study of this most turbulent time period in European history and to enhance understanding of its impact on governments and political life worldwide. The author draws on his expertise, which has yielded many works on the subject. . . .Here he has produced an easy-to-use resource for readers of all levels who care to piece together the complex ideas, personalities, and conditions that contributed to the French Revolution. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels; general readers. * CHOICE *
With an extensive bibliography, including biographies, cultural histories and women and gender, plus illustrations and Internet resources, Hansons Historical Dictionary of the French Revolution is an accessible and indispensible reference guide for schools, colleges and any library shelf. * s *

Author Bio

Paul R. Hanson has spent most of his career at Butler University, where he teaches courses on European history, comparative world cultures, the history of human rights, and the comparative history of revolutions.