Böcker av John Hardman

A major new political history of the French Revolution   In 1786, France’s ancien régime was functioning as usual. Its alliance with the victorious American colonies had restored its diplomatic prestige, the economy seemed to be flourishing, and internal politics seemed quiet. But just a few short years later, the dynasty which had ruled France for over 800 years was swept away. What happened to cause such devastating change to the long-established political structure?   John Hardman traces the political history of the French Revolution, from its origins to its aftermath. Hardman argues that the nature of ancien régime politics, the mismanagement of the fiscal crisis, and a new generation of young, overly confident politicians brought the Bourbon monarchy’s apparatus crashing down. He shows how feudalism was on its last legs in 1789, and analyses the key roles played by Louis XVI, Antoine Barnave, and Georges Danton.   This is a remarkable history of one of modern Europe’s defining moments, shedding new light on the complex politics of the day.

Louis XVI of France, who was guillotined in 1793 during the Revolution and Reign of Terror, is commonly portrayed in fiction and film either as a weak and stupid despot in the thrall of his beautiful, shallow wife, Marie Antoinette, or as a cruel and treasonous tyrant. Historian John Hardman disputes both these versions in a fascinating new biography of the ill-fated monarch. Based in part on new scholarship that has emerged over the past two decades, Hardman's illuminating study describes a ruler possessing sharp insight, uncommon political acumen, andA a talent for foreign policy, yet one whose great misfortune was to be caught in the violent center of a major turning point in history. Hardman's dramatic reassessment of the reign of Louis XVI sheds a bold new light on the man, his actions, his world, and his policies, including the king's support of America's War of Independence, the intricate workings of his court, the disastrous Diamond Necklace Affair, and Louis's famous dash to Varennes.

A major new biography of Antoine Barnave--the politician and writer who advocated for a constitutional monarchy in revolutionary France

Provides an account of Louis XVI's reign. This book divides his story into three periods: the first 12 years of Louis' reign reveals the secret workings of absolute monarchy; the second covers the period 1787-89; and the third, from 1789-93, focuses on the King's attitude toward the Revolution.

An unconventional treatment of Robespierre, this volume deals with his brief - one year to the day - period in government. It focuses on Robespierre at his desk rather than at the rostrum.

Ideal for students and scholars of modern history, Louis XVI is an important reconsideration of key aspect of the French and a lively introduction to this willfully enigmatic man.