Revolt of the Angels (Hardcover)

by Anatole France (Author), Mrs Wilfrid Jackson (Translator) "BENEATH the shadow of St. Sulpice the ancient mansion of the d'Esparvieu family rears its austere three stories between a moss-grown forecourt and a garden..." (more)
Key Phrases: beautiful archangel, angelic musician, celestial spirits, Monsieur Sariette, Madame des Aubels, Prince Istar (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Revolt of the Angels is the book that a UFO writer used to demonstrate that his particular brand of Ancient Astronauts were really Alien Creatures from a parallel dimension. Perhaps -- France herein makes similar points -- with tongue firmly in cheek, of course. You?

Product Details

• Hardcover: 212 pages
• Publisher: Borgo Press (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587156784
• ISBN-13: 978-1587156786
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,411,507 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your ordinary plot, January 16, 1999

By	James H. Sutton (Des Moines, IA (USA)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Revolt of the Angels (Textbook Binding)

The book tells the story of an archbishop's guardian angel who starts reading the bishop's books on Theology and becomes an atheist. The angel moves to Paris, meets a woman, has his wings fall off & takes up the harp to make a living, since he can't handle harmony. Then he meets the Devil. This is a very funny book, by the world's greatest ironist. A wonderful read for those who smile at people who pray on TV while squinting. Elegant prose even in English, better in French; a quintessential skeptic at his best.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heavenly Coup, July 13, 2006

By	lee freke "journalist" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Revolt Of The Angels (Paperback)

Yes, Anatole France was a Nobel Prize laureate; No, that is part reason enough to read him (Who can name six laureates). If you need to be convinced, try The Revolt of the Angels.

An angel, Arcade, leaves heaven, comes to earth, uses his invisibility to steal books from a library, after which he joins a host of fallen brethren with plans to overthrow god. Fantastic? Think again. In the hands of France, the plot is a mere jot; he is more interested in expressing his contrarian view of the universe.

His knowledge of history and religious texts is amply demonstrated; however the main draw is his cynical philosophy and his virtuosity in descriptions. When one of the angels delivers a tirade, the lifespan of the universe is captured in paragraphs: Original sin is a fable concocted by god, the Reformation was started Luther "all swollen with beer and theology," and god's thunderbolt was stolen by Franklin. According to France, god foresees everything, yet is surprised by the most probable event. France is not interested in orthodoxy, this is not religious satire to make you laugh; this is one that causes you to painfully shake your head and smile.

The conclusion is obvious, but it brings us back to reality - nothing will change. By the end of this impressive work of literature we discover only one angel is in revolt and it is not Arcade. It is Anatole France.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost 100 years old and full of insight even for the modern man...., November 9, 2008

By	John Petrolino - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Revolt of the Angels (Paperback)

"The Revolt of the Angels" is a wonderful tale spun around the dichotomy of existence. In this story, much like man, we're told of the polar feelings of angels. Journey through this text, from the start of the 20th century and see its elements laden with Gnosticism. Truly a different way to look at the conflicts of faith and what is deemed good and evil. Written in an intellectual fashion, containing a through understanding of biblical proceedings, "The Revolt of the Angels" succeeds in summoning up thought processes, even amongst the most pious of Christians. Just like Arcade's (one of the main characters of this tale) thirst and journey for knowledge, readers are proposed with philosophical and social dilemmas, which will leave you deep in thought.
~John J. Petrolino III: November 10, 2008
Author of Galleria: A collection of poetry and the short story "Three Lonesome Travelers"