Synopses & Reviews
"Neat and thought-provoking."—
Financial TimesChristopher Prendergast describes the storming of the decrepit Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789, which symbolically marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
Brilliantly and engagingly written, he shows how the celebration of this extraordinary day, truly one that shaped the world, became part of the fabric of French national life.
Christopher Prendergastis professor emeritus at the University of Cambridge.
Review
"...intriguing little book."-The Economist
"..interesting and concise."-Oxford Times online
"Neat and thought-provoking."Financial Times
Synopsis
The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and the beginning of the French Revolution.
Synopsis
Using contemporary accounts, often by eyewitnesses, Prendergast describes the Bastille prison, its reputation as France's most feared place of incarceration; its storming by the armed populace, and the momentous aftermath...And then richly and fascinatingly he shows how the celebration of this extraordinary day, truly one of those which have shaped the world, became part of the fabric of national life.
About the Author
Christopher Prendergast is Professor Emeritus at Cambridge University. He is a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge and a Fellow of the British Academy. He was the general editor of the Penguin Proust.