3.75 ( )

A New World Begin is an expounding and well researched documentation of the French Revolution. Now while the actual period of the Revolution is normally considered 1798 through 1799, Popkin expands his analysis from the rise of Louse XVI to the rise of Neapolitan. This give context to the cause of the Revolution and it efffects. Popkin also gives incredible detail to the different cornerstones of society (food production, military, politicking, etc) and their own relationships on causing and being effected by the Revolution. That being said with the great detail Popkin puts into his examination the length of A New World Begin can is a considerably lengthy well exceeding 550 pages, with some section that can tend to be a bit dry. Overall informative, and very useful for information about late 18th century France and the French Revolution. ( )

Excellent popular history ( )

Abandoned after 60%. It's a long book and not holding my interest. For all the colorful events, the revolution is characterized by a lot of complications and a large cast of characters, events go by quickly to adequately portray and explain in one volume. To it's credit a "New History" with space for minorities and colonialism and doing so seamlessly without feeling revisionist. Reminds of Alan Taylor's approach.

This was a long book, but worth the time. I learned a lot! I like the way the author presented the economic, political, cultural and military aspects of the French Revolution. I like the way he included ordinary citizens, women, slavery and colonialism. It's a very complete and balanced presentation. Although I found it hard to keep track of some of the minor players...there were so many people discussed in the book. A list of "characters" would have been helpful.

While I knew a little about the French Revolution, I wasn't aware of how many "firsts" it achieved: decriminalization of homosexuality, universal male suffrage, colonials recognized as citizens and the first Black legislator in Europe. I wasn't aware of the expansionist ambitions of the revolutionaries, nor some of their more radical ideas such as removing male children from the home at age 5 to educate them or making people responsible for the misdeeds of their friends. Not to mention the new calendar!

I think my biggest take-aways are that the French Revolution remains an important event that we should study because it dealt with so many issues that are still facing democracies, such as the best relationship between church and state. And, that terms like "liberty" and "equality" mean very different things to different people, then and now. ( )