In this book John Roberts studies the puzzling nature of what came to be called the French Revolution, with its Janus-like aspect, looking to past and future at the same time. The five main sections deal with the beginnings of the Revolution; the Revolution in France seen as a great disruption; the Revolution in France as the vehicle of continuity; the Revolution abroad; and the Revolution as history and as myth. This lively and authoritative book, which will appeal to the general readers and student of history alike, makes a significant and original contribution to our understanding of the French Revolution. This new edition takes into account the recent discoveries in regional and local revolutionary history, and includes a thoroughly updated bibliography.