History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

French Furniture Makers: The Art of the Ebeniste from Louis XIV to the Revolution

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Stunning examination of 17th & 18th Century French Furniture

French Furniture Makers: The Art of the Ebeniste from Louis XIV to the Revolution
Alexandre Pradere
Manufacturer: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

The eighteenth century in France saw the production of the world's most spectacular furniture. Curiously, there has been no major illustrated reference book for the general reader on this subject in over twenty-five years. This important new book fills that gap. An extensive introduction
explains the organization and historical background of furniture makers of the period, traces the evolution of taste and style, and explores the roles of both architects and designers. The author concludes with a study of contemporary dealers and public auctions at the end of the eighteenth
century. French Furniture Makers is illustrated with nearly 500 photographs, and includes a glossary of techical terms and a list of makers' marks reproduced to their actual size.

Customer Reviews:

Stunning examination of 17th & 18th Century French Furniture.......2003-08-12

When I first saw this book in London just after it was first published it took my breath away. Being an ardent admirer of everything to do with 18th Century France my knowledge was already fairly extensive on this topic, however nothing prepared me for this lavish volumne filled with wonderfully researched information and the most glorious illustrations, often of pieces never publicly photographed before. I dont believe there has ever been a more comprehensive study on all the major Furniture Makers and Styles of French Furniture through the Golden Period of Pre revolutionnary France in the 17th and 18th Centuries. This book is still the number one reference material for all things to do with this highly creative period of furniture design in France, a period never equalled for creative design, innovative use of distinct materials by different artists, and with unsurpassed attention to detail in execution.

"French Furniture Makers" provides extensive chapters devoted solely to all the major furniture makers from the earlier 17th century masters such as Pierre Golle and Andre Boulle who were responsible for the first furnishings of Louis the Fourteenth's newly built Versailles, right through to the eve of the Revolution with Reisener's sublime creations for Queen Marie Antoniette. Each chapter is accompanied by eyefilling colour photos of examples of each master's work whether they be in public collections like the famed Wallace Collection, Louvre Museum or Palace of Versailles, or in numerous private collections. Many of the pieces also have photos provided of the masters furniture marks or historic inventory numbers from the Former French Royal Furniture Collections.Much time and research has also gone into mentioning the very active guilds that existed in France whether they be for gilders, wood workers or those involved in upholstery. Information is also passed on about the importance of the proper placement of furniture within the whole interior decoration of the french upper class home at this time. For any student of this period or for those who just love French arts in general this breathtaking book makes very informative and enjoyable reading.

For any lovers of Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century French Furniture and Decorative Arts this is a volumn that you cannot afford to pass up. It is one of my most treasured books in my extensive collection on furniture and the decorative arts and of France in general. The beauty of this book is that it can be enjoyed by those with little knowledge of this era of furniture making as well as by the seasoned student of this period like myself. I constantly discover new things when I reread it and marvel at the work it has taken to assemble all the information and photos contained here. A book I cannot recommend highly enough and the very best book on the furniture of Pre-Revolutionnary France. A true treasure.

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deep insight into how people are motivated in politics as well as religion

A brilliant read

What One Expects From Burleigh: Excellence

A Fine History of Europe's 19th Century Religious-Political Relationships Of Relevance To Today

Relevant to today

Earthly Powers: The Clash of Religion and Politics in Europe, from the French Revolution to the Great War
Michael Burleigh
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sacred Causes: The Clash of Religion and Politics, from the Great War to the War on Terror

The Third Reich: A New History

God's War: A New History of the Crusades

The War of the World: Twentieth-Century Conflict and the Descent of the West

The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success

ASIN: 0060580941
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

In this masterful, stylish, and authoritative book, Michael Burleigh gives us an epic history of the battles over religion in modern Europe, examining the complex and often lethal ways in which politics and religion have interacted and influenced each other over the last two centuries. From the French Revolution to the totalitarian movements of the twentieth century, Earthly Powers is a uniquely powerful portrait of one of the great tensions of modern history—one that continues to be played out on the world stage today.

Customer Reviews:

deep insight into how people are motivated in politics as well as religion.......2007-07-28

This is a broad look into what may appear today to be minor movements and personalities. these characters created the necessary structures for the better known historical figures to emerge. The 'religious' character of these utopean merchants is remarkable even when the solutions they envisioned were brutally inhuman.This book provides us with a deeper understanding of the conflicts of the current age between secularism and religion in its organised form.

A brilliant read.......2007-04-16

This is one of the most brilliant explications of the contrast and conflict between religion and politics in Europe from 1800 to the early 20th century. The authro delves deep into the underlying values of Europe in the 19th century as secularism swept the continent and unleashed terrible things. This is groundbreaking research that explains, finally, the interplay between Darwining, biblical criticism and the way in which religion and secularism lead to both violence and peace. The French revolution was the ultimate secular crusade the war of 1914 marked the end of that period of secularization and the advent of the communist and fascist period that would arrive after 1922.

A very interesting and grounbbreaking study. Easily readable, and brilliantly laid out, the argument is only half developed for this is part of a larger study, but this portion is the strongest.

Seth J. Frantzman

What One Expects From Burleigh: Excellence.......2007-04-13

Michael Burleigh is one of the best historians around, as he's amply demonstrated in book after book. "Earthly Powers" is no exception to the rule. His theme in this book (which he continues to explore, even more successfully, in "Sacred Causes") is the clash between political and religious powers-that-be from the French Revolution to World War I, and the consequences of this clash for Europe and its citizenry. And it's impossible, as intended, not to gain and improve understanding of the West's calamitous current state as a result of religion (Catholicism in particular) being ultimately on the losing side of "disagreements" with secularism.

A couple of criticisms: Mr. Burleigh's linear approach (which, overall, I approve of) is a bit flat. He's highly descriptive, to be sure, but somewhat at the cost of analysis. Let the reader infer and extrapolate on his own, by all means, but a little more analysis from a top-drawer historian (Mr. Burleigh in this case) is always welcome. Also, while Mr. Burleigh is an excellent and elegant writer, he sometimes gets carried away by his own unquestionably rich vocabulary -- e.g., "We need not tarry over [Bertrand] Russell's historically jejune ratiocinations." No doubt. I mean, huh? And that's only on the third page! This is not to imply that Mr. Burleigh's writing is inaccessible. It is indeed accessible -- though perhaps not quite as accessible as one would like.

Still, "Earthly Powers" is a very good read -- it will hold your interest and provoke thought -- and I heartily recommend it (and its lack of ratiocinations).

A Fine History of Europe's 19th Century Religious-Political Relationships Of Relevance To Today.......2006-12-31

Distinguished British historian Michael Burleigh began thinking of the history of Europe's relations between its religious and political components of civil society and the governments of emerging nation-states such as Italy and Germany while writing his classic histories on Nazi Germany. Seen via this light, his latest book, "Earthly Powers: The Clash of Religion and Politics in Europe from the French Revolution to the Great War", demonstrates how European society developed such evil 20th Century state religions of Communism, Fascism, and Nazism. He makes a most persuasive case in demonstrating that Revolutionary France, especially during the period of the Directory, was the precursor to such banal, evil state-sponsored faiths, replacing traditional Catholic doctrine and rituals with those proposed by the radical ruling elite of the first French republic. And he demonstrates how the clash of Protestant and Catholic religious traditions in Central Europe spurred efforts to create not only a modern unified German state, but also encouraged the successful unification of the Italian peninsula by revolutionaries like Giuseppe Garibaldi, with substantial assistance from the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia's astute ministers such as Camille Benso, conte Cavour, and its ruling family (This dynasty would eventually become the rulers of a unified Italian kingdom.), inspite of substantial opposition from the Catholic Church and its Popes ruling from Rome. Paradoxically, Burleigh notes how the ascendancy of strong religious traditions in German politics also fueled both Imperial Germany's global imperial ambitions, and the militarism which led directly to World War I. Although his prose is often uneven, Burleigh has made many useful observations about the relationships between 19th Century European religions and politics that have much relevance to today's current clash against Islamofascist terror.

Relevant to today.......2006-11-04

This book gives some insight into how we got to today's political and religious scene. You can even make some parallels showing that we really are not much diffenent that we were 150 to 200 years ago.

I do wish that Mr. Burleigh had a more journalist style rather than a scholarly style or writing. His long sentences and paragraphs make for slow reading.

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Well Researched Book
Good read on the Topic
Great Place to Start
Best Overview
I Read This Book Because I Knew Nothing About The French Revolution

The Days of the French Revolution
Christopher Hibbert
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0688169783
Release Date: 1999-06-23

Amazon.com

"Never was any such event so inevitable yet so completely unforeseen." Alexis de Tocqueville's 19th-century assessment of the French Revolution echoes the contemporary reaction to the monumental events that took place over 200 years ago. Christopher Hibbert's superb historical narrative The Days of the French Revolution captures de Tocqueville's immediacy but tempers it with the hindsight of history. Detailing events from the meeting of the Estates General at Versailles in 1789 to the coup d'état that brought Napoleon to power 10 years later, The Days of the French Revolution captures the passion and ferocity motivating the events and the individuals that most dramatically shaped the Revolution.

Originally published in 1990, The Days of the French Revolution maintains its supremacy among the plethora of French Revolution histories. An acclaimed author of over 25 historical and biographical studies, Hibbert presents complexly related events in a logical, readable format and supplies plenty of historical background and detail without sacrificing clarity or narrative flow. He writes for the general reader unfamiliar with Revolution history, introducing them to individuals as diverse as Marie Antoinette, the young lawyer Danton, the journalist Marat, and the Girondin, sans-culotte and extremist Enragé political factions, weaving their fates together, and adeptly illustrating how they influenced the Revolution and how the Revolution, in turn, changed their lives. Maps, illustrations, a chronology of principle events, a glossary, and a list of major sources supplement Hibbert's eight chronologically ordered chapters, and his prologue, which focuses on the reign of Louis XVI, sets the scene for the events of 1789. At the same time entertaining and informative, The Days of the French Revolution allows its readers to forget that they are reading a book of history. --Bertina Loeffler Sedlack

Book Description

Works from Les Misirables by Victor Hugo to Citizens by Simon Schama have been inspired by the French Revolution. Now available for the first time in years, The Days of the French Revolution brings to life the events that changed the future of Western civilization. As compelling as any fiction thriller, this real-life drama moves from the storming of the Bastille to the doomed court of Louis XVI, the salon of Madame Roland, and even the boudoir of Marie Antoinette. Hibbert recounts the events that swirled around Napoleon, Mirabeau, Danton, Marat, and Robespierre with eyewitness accounts and his "usual grace and flair for divulging interesting detail" (Booklist). This trade paperback edition has twenty-eight pages of black-and-white illustrations, and will be published in time for Bastille Day.

Customer Reviews:

Well Researched Book.......2006-10-03

In "The Days of the French Revolution", Christopher Hibbert related the chilling story of the French Revolution, highlighting the roles of the leading characters that shaped events during this period. Among these people were Robespierre, Murat, Danton, King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, Napoleon Bonaparte and others.

The book gives a grim account of the complete and utter chaos of the time, including the shocking account of how things went out of hand, the reign of terror, mindless executions including the beheading of the King and Queen of France. One gets the feel of the impact of mob rule and what happens in the absence of the rule of law.

Christopher Hibbert meticulously researched the book resulting in a minefield of information that students of the French Revolution will find useful and important. The book is full of non-stop action.

This is a well written book that is interesting to read. Those who wish to get an overview of the French Revolution should enjoy reading this book.

Good read on the Topic.......2006-09-02

I read this book because we were taking a trip to France and I wanted to learn some of the history about Paris in particular. The book does a good job of highlighting the significant events that led to the uprisings in France in the late 18th century, so it's worth the read. I thought the writing could have been a bit more organized - for example, the first reference to the Revolutionary Tribunal appears in the middle of paragraph in a less than concise sentence, and only later do you realize how important that topic is. I had to keep flipping back to remind myself of what the key political parties stood for, although the glossary was usually helpful there. Also, the final chapters are much more detailed about personalities, rather than events, going so far as to describe who wore what color clothes on what occasions ("On the morning of that day Robespierre dressed himself with even more than his accustomed care in a bright blue coat and buff cotton trousers"). It seemed that the final chapters could have used some editing. But, overall, recommended.

Great Place to Start.......2006-01-22

I wanted to read about the French Revolution, and began with "Citizens," by Simon Schama. It is a fine book, but I got bogged down in the details, and was losing the essence of the events. 300 pages in, and still going through the details of the economic environment, I put down "Citizens" and picked up Hibbert's book. It was beautifully written, and quite consistent with the highly-academic "Citizens." But, frankly, Hibbert was much more enjoyable to read.

A note to those who are not adverse to detailed history: Schama has many favorable reviews on this site, and well-deserved. But you might want to start with Hibbert, then go to Schama, with LeFebvre's slim work as a side read.

Best Overview.......2005-12-20

This is the best one book I have read for an overview of the French Revolution, covering all the main points without taking the time to cover every month or season or becoming a novel. The high points are hit and smoothly tied together, the major characters are drawn enough to understand them, plus it continues forward to Napoleon, which some of the other books on the Revolution fall short of, so there is a beginning and an end so to speak.
For a more in depth characterizations or explorations into the details of the era, try A Place Of Greater Safety or City of Darkness, City of Light.
One minor annoyance in this book, written by an Englishman there is a wide usage of French expressions that may be well know to a British readership that lives across the Channel from France but could be lost on an American reader. Despite this, if you only want to read one book on the French Revolution this should be it, although reading all three I was surprised how differently some of the aspects can be interrupted. It was worth reading all three to get a real flavour for those fascinating and terrible times.

I Read This Book Because I Knew Nothing About The French Revolution.......2005-09-14

This was a good introduction to the French Revolution. The only bad thing i have to say about the book is that sometimes the author seems to think everyone knows the French language (with quotes in french that are rarely translated,) but that happens infrequently enough that the reader doesn't miss out on anything. I certainly would recommend it to anyone with a curiosity about the chain of events that lead the citizens of France into total madness.

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A Guide for Counter-Insurgency

Pacification in Algeria, 1956-1958
David Galula
Manufacturer: RAND Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0833039202

Book Description

When Algerian nationalists launched a rebellion against French rule in November 1954, France was forced to cope with a varied and adaptable Algerian strategy. In this volume, originally published in 1963, David Galula reconstructs the story of his highly successful command at the height of the rebellion. This groundbreaking work, with a new foreword by Bruce Hoffman, remains relevant to present-day counterinsurgency operations.

Customer Reviews:

A Guide for Counter-Insurgency.......2007-01-08

This book is an absolute required read for anyone who wants to understand the complex nature of fighting counter-insurgencies. Galula who served in Algeria as a deputy commander and as a company commander was responsible for the successsful pacification of several areas under his command. Through ideas he gained from experience serving in China he was able to institute a series of lethal and less than lethal measures to defeat the insurgents in his area of operation. He lists his measures and those who are energized can create a check list of sorts to assist them if they are "going down range." Excellent book...

A Short History of the French Revolution (3rd Edition)

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A Short History of the French Revolution (3rd Edition)
Jeremy D. Popkin
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130600326

Book Description

/*6003B-0, 0-13-060032-6, Popkin, Jeremy D., A Short History of the French Revolution, 3/E*/ Written for today's readers, this up-to-date survey of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Period offers a shorter, concise alternative to the longer, detailed volumes available. This volume introduces readers to the major events that comprise the story of the French Revolution; to the different ways in which historians have interpreted them; to the political, social, and cultural origins of the Revolution; and to the latest methodological approaches. The origins of the French revolution, collapse of the absolute monarchy, the revolutionary rupture, the defeat of the liberal revolution, the convention and the republic, the return to order, the Napoleonic empire, and the revolutionary heritage. For historians, enthusiasts and others interested in a current, comprehensive, yet brief account of the revolutionary period.

The Old Regime and the French Revolution

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The French Revolution "sought to increase the power and jurisdiction of the central authority."
A Classic
It's Tocqueville. What More Can I Say?
Good Book, But Not a History
Enlightening Work on several Levels

The Old Regime and the French Revolution
Alexis de Tocqueville , and A. P. Kerr
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0385092601
Release Date: 1955-10-01

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The French Revolution "sought to increase the power and jurisdiction of the central authority.".......2007-04-23

"What was the true aim of the Revolution? What was its specific character? Why did it take place and what exactly did it achieve?" As Tocqueville addresses these questions herein (without, I should add, detailing the specific events of the actual Revolution---this treatise is not a history of that event) he makes these points: "The aim of the Revolution was not, as once was thought, to destroy the authority of the Church and religious faith in general." (Although Tocqueville does admit that "Christianity was attacked with almost frenzied violence," but he points out that "there was no question of replacing it with another religion," suggesting that religion got caught in the maelstrom against traditional bodies; and that the discrediting of religion which was becoming prevalent during the latter half of the 18th century "had a preponderant influence on the course of the French Revolution," as the people having lost faith in GOD became more inclined to start believing in anything---as Émile Cammaerts has put it; though often mis-attributed to G.K. Chesterton.) "Appearances notwithstanding," according to Tocqueville, the Revolution "was essentially a movement for political and social reform and, as such, did not aim at creating a state of permanent disorder in the conduct of public affairs or (as one of its opponents bitterly remarked) at 'methodizing anarchy.'

On the contrary, it sought to increase the power and jurisdiction of the central authority. (Nor was it intended, as some have thought, to change the whole nature of our traditional civilization, to arrest its progress, or even to make any vital change in the principles basic to the structure of society in the Western world. If we disregard various incidental developments which briefly modified its aspect at different periods and in different lands, and study it as it was essentially, we find that the chief permanent achievement of the French Revolution was the suppression of those political institutions, commonly described as feudal, which for many centuries had held unquestioned sway in most European countries.") "The reason why the principle of centralization of power did not perish in the Revolution is that this very centralization was at once the Revolution's starting-off point and one of its guiding principles." "In the long period of rankling unrest and rising discontent preceding the Revolution all sorts of schemes were worked up for the establishment of a new social order and a new method of government. The ends proposed by the reformers varied greatly, but the means were always the same. They wished to make use of the central power, as it stood, for shattering the whole social structure and rebuilding it on lines that seemed to them desirable.""Firmly convinced of the perfectibility of man, they [the French people]" it appears elevated themselves above God with a "fanatical faith in their vocation---that of transforming the social system, root and branch, and regenerating the whole human race."

Tocqueville further comments in this fine work of informed, and very readable, scholarship that "It is remarkable that of all the ideas and aspirations which led up to the Revolution the concept and desire of political liberty, in the full sense of the term, were the last to emerge, as they were also the first to pass away." Freedom's fundamental basis, after all, had been thoroughly discredited for some time; particularly during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI when "the administration persistently instilled into the minds of Frenchmen...the notion that private ownership need not, indeed, should not, invariably be respected." (See Richard Pipes' learned examination on the intrinsic correlation between these two notions in his work Property and Freedom). As to why liberty was given short shrift Tocqueville leaves us to consider the French mind as represented by none other than the view of Voltaire; who Tocqueville characterizes thusly: "The truth was that he envied the English above all for their freedom to write as they liked, while their political freedom left him indifferent and he quite failed to realize that the former could not have survived for long without the latter." That, in short, was the dilemma of the French Revolution was it not? And what distinguishes it from its American variant, as "...it is no exaggeration to say that a man's admiration of absolute government is proportionate to the contempt he feels for those around him." (07Apr) Cheers

A Classic.......2006-10-02

The French Revolution is among the most important events that shaped world history. A lot has been written about it and Alexis de Tocqueville is among the most interesting and insightful writers on the subject.

The book was first published in 1856, which allowed the author to interact and talk to people who participated or lived through the Revolution. This provides the author with unique insights and information that enabled him to come up with interesting arguments, claims and conclusions. His in-depth analysis of the revolution makes this book a classic which any serious scholar on this significant event needs to read.

Drawing on the works of other authors, Tocqueville came up with unconventional views concerning the Revolution, claiming that it was in fact not a sudden occurence but a gradual social process taking place in France culminating in the revolt and continuing after it. He concluded that the Revolution was due to too much centralisation of political power. Such centralisation of political power could then explain the revolutions of 1831 and 1848 in parts of Europe.

This book is recommended to those interested in in-depth insights into the French Revolution and for history students.

It's Tocqueville. What More Can I Say?.......2006-03-27

A fascinating, thorough, and in-depth analysis of the French Revolution. A must-read for any history student.

Good Book, But Not a History.......2005-10-04

I give this book four stars. It is a fascinating investigation into the political and cultural environment in France that led up to the revolution.

But be forewarned! This book is NOT a history of the revolution. The author makes that very clear right at the beginning, but I think it bears emphasizing. If you aren't already pretty familiar with the history of the revolution you may have trouble at times following what this book is talking about.

Overall, this book is well worth the cover price for anyone with an interest in the French revolution.

Enlightening Work on several Levels.......2005-02-25

Alexis De Tocqueville's work "The Old Regime and the French Revolution" marked the foundation of the prevailing historical argument of the causes of the French Revolution and is by far one of the most interesting and influential works on the subject. This being said de Tocque Ville's argument was certainly influenced by the events in Europe during his lifetime: mainly the increased centralization of political power in Germany and Europe at large and the revolutions of 1831 and 1848. In historiographical terms this book was written relatively soon after the event itself and it is certain that de Tocqueville conversed and interacted with people who were directly involved in the events of the revolution. This is both a bane and a boon to the value of the work since such direct influence would certainly obscure the objectively of hid ideas even though being able to gather data before the "dust has settled" is always advantageous. I certainly believe this book is deserving of five stars and on many levels. It is a great historical record and wonderful example of mid 19th century historiography sociology and political thought.

The idea that political centralization caused the downfall of the old regime in 18th Century France is taken for granted by most historians and political thinks now. While we learn early on that it was because of the excess of the Bourbon dynasty from Louis XIV's wars and building Projects to Louis XVI's Court etc, de Tocqueville blames centralization of power; the foundation of the nation state on the revolution. Thus, all nations by this idea will face revolution and ultimately democracy.

This book is an interesting read and when put into the proper perspective has a lot to offer. I found this book more profound and less idealistic than "Democracy in America". This is a great source and example of 19th century historiography and when read in the proper light offers an interesting and very plausible argument for the cause of the French Revolution. It also provides an interesting analysis of political philosophy thought de Tocqueville categorically discounts most of the famous thinkers in this field. If you have to read this work in part or whole for school do yourself a favor and read it thoroughly. If you are reading it for your own benefit I trust you will do the same. Either way "The Old Regime and the French Revolution" has a lot to offer and is a worthwhile read.

-- Ted Murena

Origins of the Chinese Revolution, 1915-1949

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Informative but not Exciting
Insightful
Enduring Insights On Revolutionary China

Origins of the Chinese Revolution, 1915-1949
Lucien Bianco
Manufacturer: Stanford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0804708274

Customer Reviews:

Informative but not Exciting.......2005-09-25

I brought this book for a class. While it is very informative it is not altogether a too exciting book to read about the Chinese Revolution. The writing style is very academic.

Insightful.......2005-07-24

This concise and lucid book is essentially a series of essays on events and trends the led to the Chinese Revolution of 1949. It is not a narrative history, though the essays are arranged in a chronologic manner. Bianco starts with a chapter on the 19th century decay of the Manchu state and covers the events leading to the dissolution of the Qing state. This is followed by chapters on intellectual developments leading to the dominance of Marxist thought among Chinese intellectuals, the abortive efforts of the Communist Party to follow Marxist orthodoxy in developing a revolutionary state, and following the near destruction of the CCP by the Kuomintang, its flight to the countryside. Partly because of necessity and partly because of intelligent leadership by the men - Mao, Chu Teh, etc., - who would be become the leaders of Communist China, the CCP adopted a distinctly unmarxist strategy of capitalizing on peasant grievances as the motor of their revolution. Bianco discusses the failure of the Kuomintang to effect significant reforms, the powerful stimulus of nationalism under the pressure of Japanese imperialism, and the ability of the CCP to meld nationalism with their social program in the countryside. After the war, the incredible incompetence of the Kuomintang and the skilful leadership of CCP resulted in the creation of Communist China and the destruction of traditional Chinese society. Bianco does very well in analyzing the role of Marxist ideology and provides a comparative perspective as well. Though this book was written about 40 years ago, it continues to be valuable.

Enduring Insights On Revolutionary China.......2005-07-12

Lucien Bianco's work is just as valuable now as when it first appeared nearly 40 years ago. It is packed with shrewd insights on policies and personalities, though the concise nature of the text does not permit a detailed narrative. It helps explain the complex intellectual currents, political developments and socioeconomic conditions that led to the People's Republic of China. Bianco stresses throughout the contingent nature of this process, rather than its inevitability, giving due attention to non-Communist actors. The annotated reading list, though dated, remains as enjoyable as it is helpful. No other work has supplanted it, but key recent titles of similar length include D. Qing, "Wang Shiwei & Wild Lilies," J. Spence, "Mao Zedong" and L. Feigon's provocative "Mao: A Reinterpretation."

The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

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Very readable but thorough coverage
= )
A Good Choice
Great Introduction to the French Revolution
Brief and to the Point

The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
William Doyle
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0192853961

Book Description

Beginning with a discussion of familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, as well as the legends of let them eat cake, and tricolours, Doyle leads the reader to the realization that we are still living with developments and consequences of the French Revolution such as decimalization, and the whole ideology of human rights. Continuing with a brief survey of the old regime and how it collapsed, Doyle continues to ellucidate how the revolution happened: why did the revolutionaries quarrel with the king, the church and the rest of Europe, why this produced Terror, and finally how it accomplished rule by a general. The revolution destroyed the age-old cultural, institutional and social structures in France and beyond. This book looks at how the ancien regime became ancien as well as examining cases in which achievement failed to match ambition. Doyle explores the legacy of the revolution in the form of rationality in public affairs and responsible government, and finishes his examination of the revolution with a discussion as to why it has been so controversial.

Customer Reviews:

Very readable but thorough coverage.......2007-01-10

I highly recommend this volume to anyone who wants to know about the French revolution but doesn't have a lot of time to spend on it. I read it while waiting between flights. Doyle is an excellent writer and the volume is very engrossing (good enough that I have subsequently checked out his full treatment of the revolution). He does a good job of covering all of the basics of the French revolution and warning readers where the shortfalls are in the book because it is a brief treatment. But what I really liked about the volume is his discussion where he looks at the French revolution as it is treated today and the 200th anniversary that occured just under a decade ago.
I highly recommend it.

= ).......2006-11-10

This book is very helpful for a quick review of the facts. I used it to brush up on dates and figures before a midterm and a final on this topic. Its well organized for a quick read.

A Good Choice.......2006-11-05

I found this Very Short Introduction to be accurate, informative, and written in an interesting and readable style....This book fulfills admirably the series goal of providing solid, lucid introductions to topics without being simplistic...I think readers already familiar with the history and events of the French Revolution will enjoy the author's style and modern day perspective on this historic event...

Great Introduction to the French Revolution.......2006-11-01

Lets face it: many people point to the French Revolution as the source of innumerable subsequent political ideological movements, but when pressed, nevertheless have difficulty describing the essential elements and personages involved in the actual event. One likely cause for this phenomena is the habit of "aping" the attributions of others without really knowing the subject matter itself -- the subject has long since passed into a popular and iconographic status -- but another reason is surely the bewildering array of people involved in the event, the need for a precursory understanding of the "Ancient Régime," and the sheer number of divergent events leading to the culminating outcome. In this sense, Doyle's book well serves the introductory reader well by helping the reader develop a foundational understanding of the French Revolution through its clear verbiage, introduction to personages, and its narrative timeline approach. The book, too, sets the stage for additional derivative studies (perhaps by using the popular works by Furet, Schama, and others) while still being able to stand on its own as a primer to the subject. Of particular interest is Doyle's presentation on how the event has been divergently interpreted by historians over the past two centuries. In summary, not only is the text a bargain, but it provides a great "very short introduction" to a critical historic event in an exceptionally interesting and accessible structure. I have to say that I immensely enjoyed it.

Brief and to the Point.......2006-10-02

This is a brief and insightful book on the French Revolution. It gives a good broad overview of the Revolution and its wider repercussions since then. The author did a commendable job of producing an excellent brief account which should suffice for those who need the basics and not interested in the details of the grisly executions, bloodletting and campaigns by French armies against the coalitions pitied against it.

For the veteran historians and others that are familiar with the French Revolution, the book is too brief. However, if the veteran is rusty and needs a good basic revision and reminder, then this book will do.

This is a recommended basic insight into the French Revolution which is well worth reading as this Revolution has had far reaching implications which are being felt up to this day.

The Headless Republic: Sacrificial Violence In Modern French Thought

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Bringing Violence to Law and Politics.

The Headless Republic: Sacrificial Violence In Modern French Thought
Jesse Goldhammer
Manufacturer: Cornell University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Dialectic of Enlightenment (Cultural Memory in the Present)

ASIN: 0801441501

Book Description

In The Headless Republic, Jesse Goldhammer explores how the French revolutionaries retrieved a set of ideas about founding violence from the classical Romans and early Christians and incorporated it into postrevolutionary debates that echoed into the twentieth century. By linking sacrifice as expressed in revolutionary practices to modern French theory, Goldhammer shows how ancient ideas of violent political renewal made their way into the contemporary age.

Goldhammer elucidates the theoretical and practical significance of sacrificial violence during the Revolution, and then turns his attention to postrevolutionary intellectuals whose work is inspired by the founding sacrifices of the French Republic. Showing how Georges Bataille, Joseph de Maistre, and Georges Sorel adapted concepts of sacrifice to their own particular political agendas—whether reactionary or revolutionary—Goldhammer challenges conventional readings of these three thinkers as "bloodthirsty intellectuals." Instead, he argues, their work reveals the limits of violence as an agent of political change and attacks the forms of violence later adopted by fascist regimes. More broadly, Goldhammer makes the case for including ancient concepts of collective bloodshed in the modern lexicon of political violence.

Customer Reviews:

Bringing Violence to Law and Politics........2005-06-13

Law, writes Robert Cover, "takes place on a battlefield of pain and death." The power of violence, Cover saw,is jurisgenerative. Violence, in other words, has the power to found law. In a fascinating new book, "The Headless Republic," Jesse Goldhammer explores the French tradition of thinking about sacrificial violence and its role in the foundation of political and legal authority. Goldhammer traces the idea of violence as a pregnant and generative political impulse from its roots in the French revolution through the works of the social and political theorists Joseph de Maistre, George Sorel, and Georges Bataille. This book is not only well written, it will make you think about the importance and danger of violence in our world.

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