Synopsis
The upheavals of the French Revolution gave real power to ordinary people. Did they? Discover the answer in this readable, informative source book.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-The French Revolution begins its well-paced text with the 1793 death ride of Louis XVI; moves backward in time to the causes of the bloody revolution; and outlines the years of horrific murders and treachery; but manages to condense the era into less than 50 pages. Gilbert gives readers a judicious representation of both sides of the conflict. Hence, the faults of the old regime-unjust taxation, reform failures, widespread food shortages-are spelled out in detail. Nor are the actions of the rebellious populace spared. The establishment of the National Assembly and its resultant massive killings are all discussed. Less familiar, but scarcely less violent, is the story of Ireland's 1916 revolution, told in The Easter Rising. Like the French rebels, the Irish extremist Fenians had no compunction against the use of violence. In fact, they strongly endorsed it as the only answer in the fight for independence from British rule. The book is weakened only by a too brief explanation of the causes of the revolution. Both volumes are illustrated with striking full-color and black-and-white reproductions. Boxed information highlights time frames, biographies of leaders, and maps. The shortcoming of Easter aside, both titles should be well received by students and librarians.Anita Palladino, Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY