The Age of Revolution is the period from approximately 1774 to 1849 in which a number of significant revolutionary movements occurred in many parts of Europe and the Americas. The period is noted for the change in government from absolutist monarchies to constitutionalist states and republics. Two most significant events of the period were the American Revolution and the French Revolution. This edition will give you the complete insight into these events, explaining the causes, connections and consequences of these two major revolutions that changed the entire course of human history.

Americans today have a love/hate relationship with France, but in How the French Saved America Tom Shachtman shows that without France, there might not be a United States of America. To the rebelling colonies, French assistance made the difference between looming defeat and eventual triumph. Even before the Declaration of Independence was issued, King Louis XVI and French foreign minister Vergennes were aiding the rebels. After the Declaration, that assistance broadened to include wages for our troops; guns, cannon, and ammunition; engineering expertise that enabled victories and prevented defeats; diplomatic recognition; safe havens for privateers; battlefield leadership by veteran officers; and the army and fleet that made possible the Franco-American victory at Yorktown. Nearly ten percent of those who fought and died for the American cause were French. Those who fought and survived, in addition to the well-known Lafayette and Rochambeau, include François de Fleury, who won a Congressional Medal for valor, Louis Duportail, who founded the Army Corps of Engineers, and Admiral de Grasse, whose sea victory sealed the fate of Yorktown. This illuminating narrative history vividly captures the outsize characters of our European brothers, their battlefield and diplomatic bonds and clashes with Americans, and the monumental role they played in America’s fight for independence and democracy.

“The most comprehensive and authoritative study of Washington’s military career ever written.” –Joseph J. Ellis, author of His Excellency: George Washington Based largely on George Washington’s personal papers, this engrossing book paints a vivid, factual portrait of Washington the soldier. An expert in military history, Edward Lengel demonstrates that the “secret” to Washington’s excellence lay in his completeness, in how he united the military, political, and personal skills necessary to lead a nation in war and peace. Despite being an “imperfect commander”–and at times even a tactically suspect one–Washington nevertheless possessed the requisite combination of vision, integrity, talents, and good fortune to lead America to victory in its war for independence. At once informative and engaging, and filled with some eye-opening revelations about Washington, the American Revolution, and the very nature of military command, General George Washington is a book that reintroduces readers to a figure many think they already know. “The book’s balanced assessment of Washington is satisfying and thought-provoking. Lengel gives us a believable Washington . . . the most admired man of his generation by far.” –The Washington Post Book World “A compelling picture of a man who was ‘the archetypal American soldier’ . . . The sum of his parts was the greatness of Washington.” –The Boston Globe “[An] excellent book . . . fresh insights . . . If you have room on your bookshelf for only one book on the Revolution, this may be it.” –The Washington Times

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.