The Revolutionary Career of Maximilien Robespierre

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Summary: Robespierre presented as misunderstood idealist
Review: For all those who consider Robespierre the embodiment of "The Terror" and the personification of all the evils of the French Revolution, this book is not for you. David Jordan presents quite a different take on the self-styled "Incorruptible" and although he presents his case well, it's a familiar technique to make a bad guy look good. There's no doubt that the Thermidorians who were responsible for Robespierre's fall from power were as bad as he was and their hands were assuredly covered in blood. However, that certainly doesn't exonerate Robespierre for the outragous excesses that he and his committee were responible for. Robespierre was a man who's idealism ran amok and who lost sight of the reasons to have those ideas in the first place. His "ends justifying the means" mentality purposely and with great malice led France into the abyss in 1794 and the only way to reverse the trend was for his own quick and ruthless demise.
The false historians who made Robespierre into the only monster of this time are certainly misleading and inaccurate. His contemporaries such as Danton, Hebert, Desmoulins and the rest were hypocrites and deservedly suffered the same fate as most in those days: the guillotine. Nonetheless, their devious behavior shouldn't cloud the fact that Robespierre was as guilty as the rest of them and responsible for many innocent deaths all in the name of his so-called virtue. David Jordan may be somewhat correct in his assessment that, at least early on, Robespierre acted merely for the people and was not interested in his own personal power. Unfortunately, as the Terror continued, Robespierre's magnanimous attitude diminished and was replaced by his ever-growing ego and paranoia. For all of Jordan's arguments regarding this man, one simple fact eludes him totally: the Great Terror ended with the execution of Robespierre and his followers. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

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Summary: Brilliant, comprehensive and well researched
Review: One of the finest and most penetrating studies done on the French revolution as a whole and of Robespierre in particular. Too often readers only gleam their impressions of the period from Dickens and Thomas Carlyle. Then there are pseudo-historians like Stanley Loomis and Otto Scott, who instead of trying to interpret history simply make it up instead. It is so refreshing to read a thoughful, unprejudiced book rooted in facts. I can also highly recommend THE KING'S TRIAL by Jordan, one of the single best history books ever penned.

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Summary: A book that you must read
Review: This book is the best political biography book I have ever read. When you read this book you feel that you listen and talk to Robesspirre the incorruptable. For any one interested in this great man and the French Revolution this book is the way to start.