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Liked It “A fascinating look at a seminal period in the history of the western world (1788-1800). Author Jay Winik looks at developments in the U.S., France and Russia over those 12 years, noting key events and their influecing factors, while also offering a look at the personalities of major players in...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A fascinating look at a seminal period in the history of the western world (1788-1800). Author Jay Winik looks at developments in the U.S., France and Russia over those 12 years, noting key events and their influecing factors, while also offering a look at the personalities of major players in all three countries.
Richard H wrote this review Thursday, July 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Winik is fine writer with a great feel for the language, and he gives the work an almost novel-like readability. This is a book that is as accessible as it is informative.
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“When looking at the American Revolution from a world perspective, one cannot help studying the French Revolution, since so much of what took place was influenced by the events that took place in the American colonies from 1775-1783. However, you can't stop there. Events taking place in Russia (and in consequence, Poland) can also be linked to aspects of the American Revolution. Add to this list Great Britain (obviously) the Ottoman Empire (which covered all of Turkey, along with other nations) and a few others and the time of the American Revolution and its aftereffects truly become a worldwide phenomenon. Winik's book basically intertwines the events taking place in the American colonies and the United States (George III and George Washington), France (from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, Danton, Robespierre, Napoleon, etc.) and Russia (Catherine the Great).
Brad B wrote this review Saturday, May 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book actually begins long, long before the 1788 in the title. You actually get kind of a brief history of each of the three nations mentioned leading up to the focus of 1788-1800. It is a long and complicated journey, but I am very glad I made the trip.
A few little teasers:
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson actually helped write The Declaration of the Rights of Man for the French? We know he was involved with France from early on (being the French foreign minister, sec of state, etc. )- but the amount of his actions astounded me.
John Paul Jones, after not getting the recognition he deserved from the US, sailed for Caherine the Great and Russia during some of her conquests?
Polish transplant and Revolutionary War hero, Tadeusz Kościuszko basically engineered Poland's revolution from Russia (but failed).
So much happens in this book, I was constantly riveted to my seat and hated to stop reading. This definitely helps look at what the world was going through during this time period - not to be missed.
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“Did you know that Napoleon cheated at cards, or that he read The Koran while en route to Egypt with his army? Were you aware that George Washington’s false teeth were made of hippopotamus ivory? Colorful details about people and events in the history of the U.S., Russia and France of this period make this an engrossing book. Lurid accounts of the French Revolution and the bloody Russo-Turkish war provide a view of history at the ground level. I have to admit I was fascinated by all the accounts of execution by guillotine and bodies hacked to death in the streets. The topper was what happened to the Princesse de Lamballe, the friend of Marie Antoinette. ”
Suzanne F wrote this review Wednesday, December 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Bravo Winik! This is an excellent read! I found it be both insightful and helpful in understanding the Revolutionary era. I deeply enjoy his character sketches of Catherine the Great, Louis XVI and Thomas Jefferson. Masterfully written with an easy to follow style, Winik delivers. I would highly endorse this book. I am looking forward to future Winik projects due solely to his creative talents displayed in this book. Truly, an excellent read!”
Nathan B wrote this review Monday, June 30 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is an incredibly interesting book, with fascinating information about Catherine the Great, John Addams,George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Louis the XIV, Marie Antoinette, Potemkin, Napoleon and lots of others. It was impossible to put down, and I just loved it!”
Nancy T wrote this review Monday, April 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Pulling together Russia, French and the American revolution, Wink attempts to show the parallels and the influences which, at times, can seem a stretch. However, it's fascinating to see how these three countries were evolving. I would like to understand better why France's revolution was such an astounding failure.”
Mary v wrote this review Tuesday, December 11 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Excellent examination of the American revolution in light of world events. Reminds us that whoever we are today as a nation, we stand on the shoulders of giants.”
DarleneMarshall wrote this review Tuesday, October 30 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“While a fragile United States teetered on the brink of oblivion, Russia towered as a vast imperial power, the Islamic peoples were gearing for war, and France plunged into monumental revolution. In The Great Upheaval, acclaimed historian Jay Winik masterfully illuminates how their fates combined in one extraordinary moment to change 1790s began, America was struggling to survive at home and the course of civilization and bequeath us the nation--indeed, the world--we've inherited.”
Aprilblossoms123 wrote this review Tuesday, October 2 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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