Revolutions of 1848 [Paperback]

Priscilla Smith Robertson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book is a model performance in formulating and executing what we know as 'the new history.' -- The Humanist

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (April 1, 1968)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 069100756X
• ISBN-13: 978-0691007564
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Blend of Facts and Analysis, May 26, 2004

By 

Jonathon Lever (Green River, WY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Revolutions of 1848 (Paperback)

The problem with most history textbooks is that all too often the story is left out of the text. A collection of names, dates, and facts is what is left. Priscilla Robertson has done an exemplary job of avoiding such a failing. While providing the necessary names, dates, and places so that one is able to visualize the story being built, Ms. Robertson has provided an outstanding assessment of these events.

The story of 1848, as is told in this book, is one of the people recognizing the need for change, but in many cases not being influential enough either in terms of physical power or in terms of political power to affect the change for a long period of time. In many respects, the story can be viewed as describing the necessity for the citizens to be able to protect themselves from an oppressive government, though in some cases, it can be citizens needing to protect themselves from each other.

This book, as is pointed in the preface, does not focus on the details on the constitutions, individual leaders, or battles, but rather provides a rich account of how people when inspired by a dream or a vision, even one that is unsustainable, can rise up and let the world know that change must occur.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, December 18, 2009

By 

J. Dunkel (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Revolutions of 1848 (Paperback)

The topic might seem esoteric and so limited in scope but 1848 was a year in which just about all of Europe erupted in liberal (and more radical) revolution. This book carefully tells the story of each country that had a rebellion, down to the number of barricades in Paris and where they got the material for them! Participants famous and no longer famous are given careful consideration and Robertson captures the spirit of the times and the excitement of people experimenting with new ideas of how their societies should be organized. The typeface may make this book seem old but the ideas still seem fresh. It is a good read beyond being a helpful guide through this period for any history class that you might take or teach that covers this time.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great history of the period, June 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Revolutions of 1848 (Paperback)

This is the way history should be written. Robertson puts the reader in the middle of the explosive drama that unfolded all across Europe. All of the major players come to life : from Louis Philippe clinging to the old order in France to Manin's dream of a Venetian republic. This book is also excellent background for anyone who wants to understand the rise of Bismarck and the unification of Germany.