The Bourgeois Revolution in France, 1789–1815
The Bourgeois Revolution in France, 1789–1815 argues that the French Revolution was a bourgeois and capitalist revolution, challenging revisionist interpretations. It traces the Revolution’s causes and development through the Napoleonic Age, with an explicitly Marxist historical perspective.
At a glance
- Defends the interpretation of the French Revolution as a bourgeois and capitalist revolution.
- Engages with arguments associated with revisionist historians including Alfred Cobban, William Doyle, and François Furet.
- Connects a narrative of the Revolution to Marxist theories of the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
Reference price: $29.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The book’s central argument and historical perspective are clearly identified, helping readers judge whether its approach suits their interests.
- Its stated coverage extends from the Revolution’s causes through the Napoleonic Age.
Cons
- Its explicitly Marxist argument may not suit readers seeking a neutral overview or an account centered on revisionist interpretations.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Berghahn Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | March 1, 2009 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 184 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1845456505 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1845456504 |
| Weight listed | 8.8 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers studying Marxist interpretations of the French Revolution.
- Readers comparing revisionist and class-based historical explanations.
- Students interested in the Revolution’s relationship to the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a broad, introductory survey without a defined interpretive position.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
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The listing provides aggregate ratings but no written customer feedback. The rating figures suggest a positive but very small pool of responses, so they offer limited guidance about how readers assess the book’s argument or writing.
Frequently asked questions
What argument does this book make about the French Revolution?
It argues that the Revolution was a bourgeois and capitalist revolution, disputing revisionist interpretations.
What period does the book cover?
The title identifies 1789–1815, and the description says the narrative reaches through the Napoleonic Age.
Is this a general introductory history?
The listing presents a focused argument grounded in Marxist theories and debates with revisionist historians, rather than a perspective-free overview.
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