Rousseau and Revolution

Rousseau and Revolution examines the intellectual and social forces that shaped Europe from 1756 to 1789. The Durants chronicle this pivotal period through interconnected narratives of philosophy, politics, art, and culture. The book traces Rousseau's profound influence on European thought while exploring the broader historical context of pre-revolutionary society. Major figures including Voltaire, Frederick the Great, and Catherine the Great appear alongside analyses of literature, music, and scientific developments of the era. The authors document the mounting tensions and transformations in France, England, Russia, and other European powers during these crucial decades. Their account moves between royal courts, salons, battlefields, and the lives of common people. This volume stands as an exploration of how ideas and social conditions combine to create watershed moments in history. The relationship between intellectual movements and political change emerges as a central theme throughout the work.

Readers describe this volume as dense but rewarding, with comprehensive coverage of European cultural and intellectual history from 1715-1789. Many appreciate the Durants' flowing narrative style and their ability to weave art, music, and literature alongside political events. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts - Engaging biographical details about major figures - Balance between high culture and social history - Thorough coverage of both France and other European nations Dislikes: - Length and detail can be overwhelming - Some passages feel dated in their interpretations - Occasional digressions into minor historical figures - Dense writing style requires focused attention Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (517 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Notable reader comment: "The Durants excel at showing how ideas and culture shaped the lead-up to the French Revolution, rather than just focusing on political causes." - Goodreads reviewer Some readers note this volume requires familiarity with previous books in the series for full context.

The Story of Civilization by Will Durant A comprehensive eleven-volume world history series that examines the development of human civilization through culture, politics, economics, and the arts.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer A historical account of Nazi Germany that combines political analysis with firsthand observations from the author's time as a journalist in Berlin during Hitler's rise to power.

Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama A detailed examination of the French Revolution that integrates social, cultural, and political perspectives while following both major figures and common citizens through the transformation of France.

The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848 by Eric Hobsbawm A study of the dual revolutions—French and Industrial—that transformed European society and established the modern world's political and economic patterns.

Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West by John Ralston Saul An exploration of how Enlightenment rationalism shaped modern Western institutions and thought processes from the 18th century to present day.

🗸 While writing this volume, Will and Ariel Durant were in their seventies and traveled over 17,000 miles across Europe to research locations significant to Rousseau's life. 🗸 The book won the 1968 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction and is part of The Story of Civilization series, which took the Durants over four decades to complete. 🗸 Though she co-authored several volumes, Ariel Durant began her relationship with Will as his student when she was only 14 years old. They married when she was 15, causing significant scandal at the time. 🗸 The volume covers not only Rousseau but also his contemporaries like Voltaire, with whom he had a famous intellectual rivalry that divided much of European intellectual society. 🗸 At 1,091 pages, it's one of the longest volumes in The Story of Civilization series and covers the period from 1756 to 1789, ending just as the French Revolution begins.