The Revolutionary Career of Maximilen Robespierre

This is perhaps the most really interesting biography of Robespierre yet written. It is a very fair treatment of a historical figure often misunderstood. Approaching Robespierre as a person who very consciously constructed himself is this book's strenth. Very smart and very readable.

One of the finest and most penetrating studies done on the French revolution as a whole and of Robespierre in particular. Too often readers only gleam their impressions of the period from Dickens and Thomas Carlyle. Then there are pseudo-historians like Stanley Loomis and Otto Scott, who instead of trying to interpret history simply make it up instead. It is so refreshing to read a thoughful, unprejudiced book rooted in facts. I can also highly recommend THE KING'S TRIAL by Jordan, one of the single best history books ever penned.

I've seen the stereotypical Robespierre: cold, feminine, and calculating. This book sheds light on what his career was really like, while at the same time mentioning interesting parts of his personality. You don,t have to be a brain surgeon to read it (I was only 12!) but its not for babies. If you like history you,ll love this man, his life, and the book. Call me a Robespierriste!

I came to this book knowing nothing, I walked away an erudite robespierriste. Jordan has written a clear, acessable history without being condescending. Although most of his interest is with Robespierre's politics and beliefs (plus an excellent chapter on his oratory), Jordan has a gift for including just enough personal information abou the Seagreen to make him seem at least somewhat human (for example: his obsessive love of oranges). I thoughroughly recomend it.

With so much misinformation written about Robespierre, this scholarly volume is essentail for anyone who truly wishes to understand the most important figue of the French revolution. Highly recommended.