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Barnave

The Revolutionary who Lost his Head for Marie Antoinette
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Barnave by John Hardman delves into the intriguing life of Antoine Barnave, a prominent yet often overlooked figure of the French Revolution. The biography captures Barnave's political journey, his complex relationships with key revolutionaries, and his efforts to bridge divides during a tumultuous period in French history. This compelling narrative offers a rich exploration of his ambition and thought, shedding light on his pivotal role and ultimate fate.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're intrigued by the intricacies of the French Revolution and the lives of its key figures, this biography offers a compelling insight into the political and personal journey of Antoine Barnave. You might enjoy exploring how ideals and reality clash in times of upheaval, providing a deeper understanding of revolutionary France.

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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

Antoine Barnave was one of the most influential statesmen in the early French Revolution. He was a didactic man of austere morals and vaulting ambition who dressed as an English dandy, running up considerable tailor’s bills. Before his execution at age thirty-two, he played a decisive role in revolutionary politics and even governed France in 1791 through a secret correspondence with Marie-Antoinette.

In the first biography for more than a century, John Hardman traces Barnave’s life from his youth in Dauphiné to his role in the Constituent Assembly and his part in forming the Feuillants, the party dedicated to the moderate cause. Despite his early death, Barnave left a remarkable volume of material, from published works to thousands of manuscript pages. Hardman uses this rich archive to explore the life of this elusive writer, politician, and thinker—and sheds new light on the revolutionary period.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

John Hardman's biography offers a nuanced portrayal of Antoine Barnave, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure of the French Revolution. Reviewers commend Hardman for his engaging storytelling and meticulous use of archival resources, depicting Barnave as a complex character caught between his revolutionary ideals and associations with the monarchy. The book is praised for its detailed exploration of Barnave's role and missteps in the tumultuous political landscape of France, providing a fresh perspective on the era's historical narrative.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300270846

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 23 May 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 24 illus.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 416

About the Author

John Hardman is one of the world’s leading experts on the French Revolution and the author of several distinguished books on the subject, including Marie-Antoinette and The Life of Louis XVI, which was shortlisted for the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography and won the Franco-British Society Prize.

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