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Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon
- Narrated by: Suzanne M. Desan
- Length: 24 hrs and 47 mins
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Publisher's summary
The 25 years between the onset of the French Revolution in 1789 and the Bourbon Restoration after Napoleon in 1814 is an astonishing period in world history. This era shook the foundations of the old world and marked a permanent shift for politics, religion, and society - not just for France, but for all of Europe. An account of the events alone reads like something out of a thrilling novel:
- France’s oppressed and hungry masses rise up against their government.
- In Paris, crowds storm the Bastille looking for bread and weaponry.
- Rumors, panic, and fear grip the nation as it faces an uncertain future.
- The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the first bold step toward the invention of democratic politics and a republican state.
- A young Corsican named Napoleon Bonaparte stuns Europe with his military strategy and political boldness.
Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon is your opportunity to learn the full story of this captivating period. Taught by Dr. Suzanne M. Desan, these 48 exciting lectures give you a broad and comprehensive survey of one of the most important eras in modern history.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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Based on seven years of ground-breaking research and hundreds of interviews, I Thought It Was Just Me shines a long-overdue light on an important truth: Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we're all in this together.
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I'm sure its great if you are a mother ....
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Eight Dates
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Navigating the challenges of long-term commitment takes effort - and it just got simpler, with this empowering, step-by-step guide to communicating about the things that matter most to you and your partner. Drawing on 40 years of research from their world-famous Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman invite couples on eight fun, easy, and profoundly rewarding dates, each one focused on a make-or-break issue: trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams.
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This user’s guide to Buddhist basics takes the most commonly asked questions - beginning with “What is the essence of the Buddha’s teachings?” - and provides simple answers in plain English. Thubten Chodron’s responses to the questions that always seem to arise among people approaching Buddhism make this an exceptionally complete and accessible introduction - as well as a manual for living a more peaceful, mindful, and satisfying Life.
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Mythology: Mega Collection
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Do you know how many wives Zeus had? Or how the famous Trojan War was caused by one beautiful lady? Or how Thor got his hammer? Give your imagination a real treat. This Mega Mythology Collection of eight audiobooks is for you....
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An interesting set of introductions.
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Medieval Myths & Mysteries
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The 10 enlightening (and often humorous) lectures of Medieval Myths and Mysteries will show you how far from the “dark” times of legend these centuries were. Uncover the facts about the Knights Templar. Reveal the truth behind the tales of legendary creatures like the Questing Beast and the unicorn. Trace the events of the Black Death and the ways it altered the world in its wake, and much more. With Professor Armstrong, you will dig deep into the ways that later generations reshaped the narrative of the medieval years and perpetuated the myths.
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Interesting, but centered on Britain
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Meditations is a series of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, recording his private notes to himself and ideas on Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius wrote the 12 books of the Meditations as a source for his own guidance and self-improvement. These books have been carefully adapted into modern English form to allow for easy listening. Enjoy!
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Best translation
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Ho Tactics
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I have discovered a group of women who refuse to be exploited, are immune to manipulation, and who never settle in the name of love. These ladies know what they want and take what they want by beating men at their own game. Utilizing the secrets exposed in this book, these women gain power, money, and status. Men call them gold diggers, women call them hos, but they call themselves winners. This is the book that society doesn't want you to listen to….
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I spent $24,000 in 4 months
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The Ethical Slut
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For anyone who has ever dreamed of love, sex, and companionship beyond the limits of traditional monogamy, this groundbreaking guide navigates the infinite possibilities that open relationships can offer. Experienced ethical sluts Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy dispel myths and cover all the skills necessary to maintain a successful and responsible polyamorous lifestyle.
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The Prophet
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On the face of it, a simple book of 26 poem fables sharing one man’s wisdom. But The Prophet is so much more than that. It has inspired people from John F Kennedy to The Beatles and became the '60s Bible of counterculture – all because of the timeless truths it shared. Each poem takes a different theme – pleasure, beauty, freedom, joy and sorrow – as the fictional Al Mustapha shares his thoughts and experiences as he prepares to travel back to his island home.
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Riz Ahmed's Narraration Is So Moving!
- By Dee Tree on 09-12-21
By: Kahlil Gibran
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What listeners say about Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Tommy D'Angelo
- 11-21-16
Wish I could've given this course 6 stars
Would you consider the audio edition of Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon to be better than the print version?
I've never said this before about any other course but I would've given this course 6 stars if possible. Breath-takingly well done from start to finish.
I went back and forth on whether I wanted to purchase this course for a loooong time. I had some other courses on Western Civilization and European history and wasn't sure if their coverage of the French Revolution and Napoleon would be sufficient enough to satisfy my knowledge hunger needs. Plus the length of this course caused me to shy away: 48 lecture courses or longer always scare me just because I find myself with a short attention span and zone out the longer the course.
But something kept drawing me back to this course and the intrigue of these monumental historical events. I finally gave in and I am very disappointed in myself for having waited so long.
This course was just spectacular and stunningly fascinating on so many levels.
The professor does an excellent job of “setting the scene” and “telling the story” of key events. She knows how to paint a picture and describe the atmosphere of certain events in such a way that makes you feel like you were there yourself (i.e the Estates-General meeting).
She kept my interest throughout the course and throughout each lecture because she spent just enough time on each topic, never leaving me with the feeling that something was being dragged out. This is one of those few courses that will leave you wanting more. In fact in one of the latter lectures she explained the different forms of government France took during 1815-1940 and she made the comment "Don't worry I won't be covering all of that time" and I found myself cursing my iPhone: YES, I want nothing more than to hear her continue! I would be the first to buy a new course from her on French history.
She provided excellent narration of historical events surrounding France from 1789-1814 including a great description of the transition between different phases of the revolution including:
o Abolishment of feudalism and granting of rights to the citizens
o Creation of a constitutional monarchy with the creation of the Deputies (legislative branch)
o Creation of a left-leaning Republic with the elimination of the monarchy
o International war with European powers: first with the Austrian empire (from the north via Belgium) and Prussia & parts of Italy (from the east) and then Spain (from the south) and Great Britain (from the west)
o Counter revolution civil war (royalists)
o Intra revolution struggles including those believing in a strong centralized Republic and those in favor of local power
o The Terror in which the revolutionists executed thousands of political enemies under the accusation that they were “conspiracists”
o The Directory (moderate Republic) in which an executive branch of five individuals and a two-house legislative branch were introduced
o The setting up of “sister Republics” in the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of Italy
o Napoleon’s coup which overthrew the Directory and established the Consulate (three counsuls with Napoleon as First Consul with strong authoritative power)
o Napoleon crowning himself as Emperor
o After Austria and Prussia surrendered and after a victory over the Russians resulted in a peace treaty in which France and Russia both recognized the other's empire, Napoleon built an empire stretching throughout continental Europe including German lands, parts of Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland
o Restoration of the monarchy (Louis XVIII) after the allies (led by Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Great Britain) occupied Paris and Napoleon was banished
o Napoleon's escape and return to power as a constitutional emperor forcing Louis XVIII to flee
o Louis XVIII’s restoration of the throne following Napoleon's abdication after his defeat at Waterloo
I usually like to call out at least 1-2 negatives of a course but I really got a headache wracking my brain trying to think of one for this course. The only remote thing I could come up with: On very rare occasions the Professor would try to imitate the voice of one of the characters she was discussing or the big bad wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood tale and it just didn’t work. But this is the definition of nit-picking. She did a stellar job and I learned so much from this course.
If you have any interest whatsoever in the French Revolution, Napoleon, or the major revolutionary wars you will hate yourself for not purchasing this course. Take it from someone who hemmed and hawed for so long before finally deciding to give it a chance. There are few guarantees but I feel safe this one time in guaranteeing your satisfaction.
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55 people found this helpful
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- Martin Lefebvre
- 08-12-13
Mostly French Revolution
Whilst the course is about the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon, it's primary focus is on the French Revolution. That being said, whilst I'm a fan of Napoleon, this is a bit more hostile towards Napoleon than Napoleon podcast by J David Markham and Cameron Reilly, it's more friendly towards the Revolutionaries.
Overall, this is a great overview of the French Revolution.
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31 people found this helpful
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- Matt
- 08-03-18
History from a certain point of view
Rather than trying to limit her own biases, the author seems to revel in them. Lots of rationalizing for The Terror and lots of glossing over the obvious parts of it that have made it pretty much inexcusable to history. Almost completely leaves out the mass drownings of the "Revolutionary Baptisms" and doesn't even mention the more sadistic parts of The Terror (such as the truly awful "Revolutionary Marriages"). One could easily imagine the author defending the secret police and purges of Lenin and Stalin.
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- MissBouquet
- 03-16-16
A People's Revision
What disappointed you about Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon?
25 hours of revisionist history. This course is an apologia for the Reign of Terror, which was minimized, excused, and discussed only in brief generalities. Every event or opinion that wasn't pro-revolution, from historic to her research, Dr. Desan tries to delegitimatize with disparaging adjectives or caveats. For example, when 15 revolutionaries were killed, Dr. Desan describes it as a heinous crime committed by fanatics who wanted to impose another absolute monarch; when conducting her research, she met a medical doctor who wasn't pro-Revolution. He was described as an ultra-conservative who hated immigrants.
I didn't expect the book to be objective, but I was hoping for a less politicized account and most of all, I was hoping to learn about the actual Revolution. Instead, I learned how slaves felt oppressed in Haiti (2 chapters) and how women handled divorce in a two year period (1 chapter), and also that Napoleon was a fool and a terrible general (6 chapters). From this Course, one wonders why we remember Napoleon at all. Dr. Desan is a testament to what's wrong with higher learning in America.
Would you ever listen to anything by The Great Courses again?
Yes, but only because of Audible's return policy.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
The narrator (Dr. Desan) used terms like "turds" and relied on modern tropes to describe history. She exercised the informal vocabulary of someone inebriated talking to friends. My spouse heard me listening and thought it was a student podcast. Dr. Desan's lexicon and informality were worse than her frequent stuttering.
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
Enough frustration to write my first review after 50+ audiobooks.
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27 people found this helpful
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- Monte Johnston
- 09-17-13
Such a great balance of the big picture and detail
Any additional comments?
This was a marvelous course. Professor Desan has clearly mastered her subject and so her organization and presentation of the material was nothing short of brilliant. She provides an overview of the forces at work during this historical period and illustrates them with wonderful particulars - songs, quotes, diary entries, letters, etc. She gives you a sense of what it felt like to be alive during each of the stages of the Revolution.
I recommend this with no reservations.
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26 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 11-20-19
Justifies and minimizes the crimes of the Terror.
The good Professor Desan is an undoubtably qualified scholar, but her political biases show vividly in this course. Revolutionary lies and conspiracy theories are bandied about with gusto and presented as fact.
She does everything in her power to downplay the cruelty and evil of the Terror.
Her political sympathies blind her to the results of the revolution and it shows.
She does an admirable job otherwise.
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19 people found this helpful
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- Alison
- 08-23-13
Stunning!
If you could sum up Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon in three words, what would they be?
Memorable, entertaining tale
What was one of the most memorable moments of Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon?
Suzanne Desan picks her examples & words carefully. This is not presented in a dry manner, but is comprehensive in scope.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Far too long (at 48 lessons) but couldn't wait to listen to next chapters.
Any additional comments?
This is educational but it's pure fun too. Beautifully planned to keep you interested & informed.
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18 people found this helpful
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- Chris
- 10-18-13
Excellent Presentation
What about Professor Suzanne M. Desan’s performance did you like?
Professor Desan's enthusiasm really brought this topic to life. She did an excellent job explaining what was going on in ancien regime France that brought about such a profound event and the revolution's impact on France and Europe. In fact, I have a much better understanding of why the French Revolution is still so important to the French, perhaps even more so than our own. Finally, her lectures on Napoleon were balanced and nuanced. Napoleon is treacherous territory for any historian, but she traversed it with skill and aplomb.
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17 people found this helpful
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- SAMA
- 02-26-14
Feels like you're there
This course combines big historic events and trends during the era of the French Revolution and through Napoleon's reign with the everyday lives of the people who lived during that time. We need more history courses like this.
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16 people found this helpful
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- Scott
- 01-16-14
Very educational
A most interesting and educational audiobook. I'm glad I bought it, and glad I listened to it.
Three negatives, however. One, professor Desan's reading is a bit stressed, and it gets wearing by the end of the lecture series. Two, the lectures are not in strict chronological order, so it's frequently difficult to tell what year is being discussed. To be fair, however, the lectures are organized by topic, which is why this is true, but she rarely re-references the year, so it's often difficult to figure out what year it is. Three, the lectures come across as somehow impersonal, so although there are frequent discussions about people's attitudes and difficulties, I didn't come away with a vibrant visualization of these.
At the end of the day, this is a good overview of a complex and important part of world history, and Professor Desan's wrap-up and discussion of the repercussions and influence of the French Revolution is excellent.
Finally, if you want to listen to it, buy some credits and get it at discount.
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15 people found this helpful