The French Revolution by William Doyle (Paperback)

The French Revolution by William Doyle is a compact entry in Oxford's Very Short Introductions series. Beginning in 1789, this era of extreme political and social upheaval ended the French monarchy, sent huge numbers to the guillotine during the Terror and saw the rise of Napoleon. Doyle introduces the old regime, explains how and why it collapsed, and considers lasting consequences that remain with us today, including the ideology of human rights and decimalization.