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Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon

Written by: Suzanne M. Desan, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Suzanne M. Desan
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Publisher's Summary

The 25 years between the onset of the French Revolution in 1789 and the Bourbon Restoration after Napoleon in 1814 is an astonishing period in world history. This era shook the foundations of the old world and marked a permanent shift for politics, religion, and society - not just for France, but for all of Europe. An account of the events alone reads like something out of a thrilling novel:

  • France’s oppressed and hungry masses rise up against their government.
  • In Paris, crowds storm the Bastille looking for bread and weaponry.
  • Rumors, panic, and fear grip the nation as it faces an uncertain future.
  • The National Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of Man, the first bold step toward the invention of democratic politics and a republican state.
  • A young Corsican named Napoleon Bonaparte stuns Europe with his military strategy and political boldness.

Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon is your opportunity to learn the full story of this captivating period. Taught by Dr. Suzanne M. Desan, these 48 exciting lectures give you a broad and comprehensive survey of one of the most important eras in modern history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great Courses

What listeners say about Living the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon

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Excellent french revolution portrait

Really well explained, context, cause-effect, worldwide impacts. All aspects covered: social, political, economic. God Napoleon portrait.

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Fantastic!

Awesome course on the French Revolution and Napoleon. Really gives an insight on the significance of the French Revolution. It’s a long listen but could not put it down. Highly recommend if you like history!

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Great look at a incredible moment in history

Was looking for a book about Napoleon and chose this to gain a full understanding of the political climate that lead to Napoleon seizing power. Very thorough look at the events leading up to the revolution, the revolution and then Napoleons rise to power.

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Great Course

I learned a lot and it was enjoyable to listen to. The narrator was fantastic; she obviously knew her subject very well, and her passion for the era and all the peoples involved was palpable.

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The narration was just intolerable

Great subject. Well written and insightful.

The narrator killed it. The performance is uneven but it is mostly delivered in an over-aggressive tone.

Some narration could be described as zen. That was the total opposite of zen.

I now listen to a sample just to gage the narration before committing myself to an audiobook.

Some authors should leave the narration to people that master the skill better than themselves.

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Very long, well done

Very, very long. Comprehensive. Well designed. She does a great job. Great insights.

Learning from history rather than repeat it.

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An excellent reflection on a foundational event

I was particularly struck by the impact of Haiti on the course of events, particularly in the Americas, and the changing attitudes towards slavery. Slave revolts were a top of mind issue everywhere except Canada, it seems.

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Intriguing!

A very fascinating listen. Suzanne knows her stuff and it’s clear that she’s very passionate about her studies of the French Revolution. These lectures are structured perfectly, with loads of interesting information throughout the story that she tells. When she talks about the retreat from the Russia Campaign and the blistering cold weather, as a Canadian, I could vividly see those young men struggling through the snow. She explains it all in a way that you understand what the attitude of the people was, and you can relate to it now. Great read!

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I feel like I lived the French Revolution

Excellent lecture series. Does exactly as the title suggests, takes you across the waves of the revolution from a personal and human point of view.

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Fascinating!

This was a wonderful introduction to the French Revolution and Napoleon. It was also my first exposure to this history, but it won’t be my last. The professor’s knowledge and passion for her subject were outstanding and I thoroughly enjoyed her lectures.

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