The French Revolution

From Enlightenment to Tyranny

By: Ian Davidson

Narrated by: Clive Chafer

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A vital and illuminating look at this profoundly important (and often perplexing) historical moment, by former Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist Ian Davidson

The French Revolution casts a long shadow, one that reaches into our own time and influences our debates on freedom, equality, and authority. Yet it remains an elusive, perplexing historical event. Its significance morphs according to the sympathies of the viewer, who may see it as a series of gory tableaux, a regrettable slide into uncontrolled anarchy - or a radical reshaping of the political landscape.

In this riveting new book, Ian Davidson provides a fresh look at this vital moment in European history. He reveals how it was an immensely complicated and multifaceted revolution, taking place in different places, at different times, and in different spheres; and how subsequently it became weighted with political, social, and moral values. Stirring and dramatic - and filled with the larger-than-life players of the period and evoking the turbulence of this colorful time - this is narrative history at its finest.

©2019 Ian Davidson (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Expands on the History

A good narrator. A comprehensive explanation of the number of years the French Revolution lasted and the backstory of the negotiations That were held.

Surprise! French language in a book about France

I enjoy history audiobooks as often as possible but as I do not speak French, it was difficult to follow the narrative with so many French (non-English) words.

Lost in details

The author clearly has an in-depth knowledge of the material. For the non expert, it would be helpful to provide an occasional synopsis or short analysis.

Straight to the point

I like how the author lay down the information about the French Revolution, he goes straight to the point using easy to understand narrative. I recommend this book.

Engaging introduction to the French Revolution

Great overview to the many twists and turns to the French Revolution. Although the author is eager to show off his mastery of the French language when a translation would have sufficed, the book is well-reseached and easy to follow through the complex political environment.

One comment about the narration

The story is detailed and, as far as I know, comprehensive, if a bit dry. I struggled with the narrator, whose slow speech lack of real engagement with the story at first made me regret buying the book; my mind kept drifting off. Then the obvious solution hit me, and I changed the narration speed to 1.2, and it was very pleasant to listen to from then on.

A great but possibly frustrating read

It is wonderfully detailed and the narration is superb. My only complaint with this work is that the narrator is essentially speaking French for half of the book. I respect that he’s doing due diligence to the names, titles, and incidents of the people and what happened during those times but unless you are pretty familiar with the French language then in my opinion, it can be difficult to keep up without having to pause and think of what the words mean in English or even having to google them for a full understanding. This is my experience and I would still recommend it with full praise however I offer my experience as a caution to any further readers.

Super informative

This was a great educational read, but as is so often the case with history was quite dry, and I could find my mind wandering and miss a few things. That would be my only complaint, and it’s just a personal difficulty with staying engaged. It felt good though to stick with it and find out so many details of this period of history!

Great history of the French Revolution

Very complete and thorough review of the French Revolution up to the rise of the Napoleonic era.

Not for beginners

If I wasn’t already very knowledgeable about all the names and groups in the French Revolution, I would have been completely lost in the sheer number. There are groups within groups with groups and if I wasn’t paying attention, I’d lose track of what he was saying.

That said, it was a nice overview.