Legends of the Bastille is a book by Frantz Funck-Brentano. The Bastille was a fortress in Paris used as a state prison. Stormed by a crowd during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, it became a symbol for the republic and also for having imprisoned several notable French freethinkers.

This book is both an analysis of the Bastille as cultural paradigm and a case study on the history of French political culture. It examines in particular the storming and subsequent fall of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789 and how it came to represent the cornerstone of the French Revolution, becoming a symbol of the repression of the Old Regime. Lüsebrink and Reichardt use this semiotic reading of the Bastille to reveal how historical symbols are generated; what these symbols’ functions are in the collective memory of societies; and how they are used by social, political, and ideological groups. To facilitate the symbolic nature of the investigation, this analysis of the evolving signification of the Bastille moves from the French Revolution to the nineteenth century to contemporary history. The narrative also shifts from France to other cultural arenas, like the modern European colonial sphere, where the overthrow of the Bastille acquired radical new signification in the decolonization period of the 1940s and 1950s. The Bastille demonstrates the potency of the interdisciplinary historical research that has characterized the end of this century, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, and taking its methodological tools from history, sociology, linguistics, and cultural and literary studies.

Charles Downer Hazen's 'The History of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars (1789-1815)' provides a comprehensive and detailed account of one of the most tumultuous periods in European history. Hazen's scholarly approach delves into the political, social, and military aspects of the French Revolution and its aftermath, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of the events that shaped modern Europe. Written in a clear and accessible style, the book is suitable for both academic researchers and general history enthusiasts. Hazen's thorough research and insightful analysis make this work a valuable resource for anyone interested in this pivotal time period. As a respected historian and expert on European history, Hazen's expertise shines through in this authoritative and engaging account of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. His meticulous attention to detail and nuanced interpretations provide readers with a deep understanding of the complex factors at play during this transformative era. I highly recommend 'The History of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars (1789-1815)' to anyone seeking a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of this crucial period in history.

In 'The Age of Revolution: History of the American & French Revolution (Vol. 1&2)', editors John Fiske and Charles Downer Hazen convene an enlightening exploration into the tumultuous period marking the late 18th century. This collection meticulously navigates between the ideological ebbs and flows that propelled the American and French revolutions, offering a kaleidoscope of perspectives that illuminate the eras complex socio-political tapestry. The anthology distinguishes itself by juxtaposing firsthand accounts, scholarly essays, and revolutionary correspondence, thus providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the revolutions' implications on modern democracy and national identity. The diversity of literary styles, from erudite analyses to impassioned polemics, enriches the discourse surrounding these pivotal events in world history. The editors have skillfully curated a volume that stands as a testament to the power and consequences of revolutionary thought and action. The contributing authors, John Fiske and Charles Downer Hazen, bring to the collection a wealth of knowledge grounded in their profound historical scholarship. Their backgrounds as esteemed historians are critical in knitting together a narrative that resonates with relevance and rigor. Aligning with historical and cultural movements of revisionist history, their collaborative work sheds light on the multifaceted ramifications of the revolutions, emphasizing the dynamism of the period. 'The Age of Revolution' is an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history alike. It invites readers into a vivid dialogue with the past, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of the revolutionary spirit. The anthology's breadth of content and perspectives offers a unique lens through which to examine the foundational moments of modern nation-states. Engaging with this collection promises not only to educate but also to inspire a renewed understanding of the revolutions that continue to shape our worlds political landscape.

This book traces changing attitudes towards secrecy in eighteenth-century France, and explores the cultural origins of ideas surrounding government transparency. The idea of keeping secrets, both on the part of individuals and on the part of governments, came to be viewed with more suspicion as the century progressed. By the eve of the French Revolution, writers voicing concerns about corruption saw secrecy as part and parcel of despotism, and this shift went hand in hand with the rise of the idea of transparency. The author argues that the emphasis placed on government transparency, especially the mania for transparency that dominated the French Revolution, resulted from the surprising connections and confluence of changing attitudes towards honour, religious movements, rising nationalism, literature, and police practices. Exploring religious ideas that associated secrecy with darkness and wickedness, and proto-nationalist discourse that equated foreignness with secrecy, this book demonstrates how cultural shifts in eighteenth-century France influenced its politics. Covering the period of intense fear during the French Revolution and the paranoia of the Reign of Terror, the book highlights the complex interplay of culture and politics and provides insights into our attitudes towards secrecy today.