The French Revolution

Kings, Queens and Guillotines

By: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Narrated by: Peter Johnson

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

The editors of the Encyclopaedia Britannica are pleased to present the world of Marie-Antoinette and the French Revolution - from the grandeur and opulence of the French régime to its chaotic downfall and the new order that rose from its ashes. Here you will learn about the extravagant history of the royal Palace of Versailles with its Hall of Mirrors and extensive gardens, and the lavish court style of Louis XVI. Included are biographical portraits of Marie-Antoinette, her confidantes, and her conspirators, as well as profiles of other fascinating characters, such as Robespierre and Voltaire.

From the advent of the guillotine for public executions, to the firebrands, philosophers, and royal philanderers who figured in the Revolution, Encyclopaedia Britannica sheds new light on this fascinating period of world history. Learn about the progression of events from the storming of the Bastille through the Reign of Terror; the scandals of Marie-Antoinette, such as The Affair of the Diamond Necklace; and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

With over four hours of audio and 60-plus chapters covering key people, places, and events, The French Revolution: Kings, Queens, and Guillotines examines this tumultuous and intriguing turning point in European history, with all of its captivating characters and events.

©2006 Encyclopaedia Britannica (P)2006 Encyclopaedia Britannica

Comprehensive

This collection of articles was very informative. I got a great sense of the social and political events and people during the 1700's with interesting stories interwoven. Part 2, however seemed to be a repeat of part 1 and there was alot of overlap of the same article in the other EB downloads of the French revolution. My recommendation is to just get this one or if you are interested is specific topics get the shorter topic specific books. It would be nice if the product desription gave a list of the articles for each book in this series.

my thoughts

this book should have covered the french revolution and the terror . I like the book but people might want to know everything .

Not so good

It seems that audio isn't the best format for this style of book -- basically a collection of short essays about events and people around the time of the French Revolution. This was another problem, many of the essays were in the same period but seemed to have no other connection to the French Revolution, the supposed topic of the book. I'm a little sympathetic to the narrator who can't totally be blamed for the dry reading, because he was essentially reading an encylopedia -- probably not the easiest material to turn into riveting audio.

BORING!

Very dull dry text, read by a monotone narrator.

Pretty dry

As a history junkie it takes a lot to turn me off. This one actually managed to do so...dull as dust.

For Serious Scholars Only

Would you try another book from Encyclopaedia Britannica and/or Peter Johnson?

Yes

What was most disappointing about Encyclopaedia Britannica’s story?

Way too many facts and no human interest aspects

What didn’t you like about Peter Johnson’s performance?

Would have been better with a French speaker but having said that, nobody could do much with the overwhelming details and absence of the human feelings and emotions that must have gone on during this period

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Overwhelming disappointment

Poor writing, pointless details

This is the worst history book I've ever picked up. A high school student could have written it better. There is no chronological progression of events and there is little cause and effect explanation of this incredibly complex time. To make matters worse, the book will bore you with biography of people that had nothing to do with the events. Wanna know the exact birth date of a french landscape architect? You'll find it here, but he had no role in the revolution...
Books like this make history boring and un-appealing to droves of young people... Too bad.
Britanica sucks, I hope wikipedia will put them out of them misery.