The Coming of the French Revolution

This essential reading explores the origins of the French Revolution, emphasizing class struggles and the role of the peasantry. The Coming of the French Revolution remains influential today.

Originally published in French as 'Quatre-vingt-neuf' in 1939, The Coming of the French Revolution was released under the auspices of the Institute for the History of the French Revolution at the University of Paris. This pivotal work was produced in conjunction with the National Committee for the Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the French Revolution. It remains a crucial text for those seeking to understand the origins of this landmark event that significantly shaped the modern world.

Georges Lefebvre, the author, adopts a 'history from below' perspective, employing a Marxist approach to highlight the role of the peasantry in the revolutionary process. By emphasizing the class struggles that occurred in France, Lefebvre provides an analysis that centers on the common people and their influence in the events leading up to 1789. This focus on the lower classes offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of power and resistance during a time of profound societal transformation.

This edition of The Coming of the French Revolution features an eloquent translation by historian R. R. Palmer, along with an insightful introduction by Timothy Tackett. Tackett's introduction provides a concise intellectual biography of Lefebvre and a critical appraisal of the work, ensuring that contemporary readers can appreciate its relevance to ongoing discussions about democracy, dictatorship, and insurrection.