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Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution

Simon Schama
Mentions9
Episodes6
Podcasts1

Why listeners keep surfacing Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution

Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama gets recommended on The Rest Is History, including episode with Rubicon, with transcript quotes, timestamps, and episode context.

Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution by Simon Schama appears 9 times across 6 podcast episodes on 1 show, with transcript quotes and timestamps.

The book "Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution" by Simon Schama has been frequently referenced in episodes of "The Rest Is History," particularly in discussions surrounding the French Revolution. In episode 479, the hosts highlight Schama's insights on the violence that characterized the revolution, noting that his arguments emphasize the central role of horrific violence from the outset. This theme is echoed in earlier episodes, where Schama's brilliance is praised for illuminating the excitement and dynamism of the historical period.

In episodes 476 and 475, the hosts delve into specific events and figures of the revolution, such as the Diamond Necklace Scandal and Marie Antoinette, citing Schama's interpretations and analyses. His ability to connect historical events to broader societal implications resonates with the podcast's audience, ensuring that his work remains a focal point in their discussions about the French Revolution. The consistent references across multiple episodes underscore the enduring relevance of Schama's insights in understanding this pivotal moment in history.

Recommendation signals

The host mentions 'Citizens' by Simon Schama to illustrate the intricate dynamics of the French Revolution and the various power structures involved. The book provides a detailed exploration of how citizens and politicians interacted during this tumultuous period, highlighting the complexities of revolutionary movements.

The host praises Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' for its engaging portrayal of Louis XVI, highlighting his unique interests and personality traits. The host emphasizes that despite its length, the book is enjoyable and visually appealing, making it worth reading.

The host mentions Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' to illustrate how the Queen, Marie Antoinette, found humor in the mockery of the established order presented in Beaumarchais' play. This connection highlights the political and social dynamics of the time, showcasing the interplay between art and authority.

Best for
Historians and students of political scienceHistory enthusiasts and readers interested in French monarchyHistorians and literature enthusiastsHistorians and readers interested in French Revolution dynamics
Where it keeps coming up

Recent show rotation: The Rest Is History.

Guests tied to these mentions include Rubicon.

Fastest path back to the source: the first indexed mention lands at 45:05 in the episode where we captured it.

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Source material

Mentions across episodes

Every mention card links back to the episode page and exact transcript anchor.

Schama's argument in that book, which was published in 1989, the bicentenary of the revolution, was that violence, horrific violence, was at the heart of the French Revolution from the very beginning.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of political history
Key quote: Schama's argument in that book, which was published in 1989, was that violence, horrific violence, was at the heart of the French Revolution from the very beginning.
The host mentions Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' to highlight the role of violence in the French Revolution, arguing that it was a central aspect often overlooked by historians. This discussion reflects on how the events surrounding the fall of the Bastille are interpreted differently based on one's political identity.

Simon Schama is really good on this, for example.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of the French Revolution
Key quote: A lot of the French Revolution histories. Simon Schama is really good on this, for example.
The host discusses the misconceptions surrounding the Bastille and its prisoners during the French Revolution. They mention Simon Schama's book as a resource for understanding the historical context and the myths that emerged from this pivotal event.

In his book Citizens, he's brilliant at bringing all this out. And he says, you know, wherever you look as a historian, there are signs of great excitement and dynamism and energy.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in revolutionary history
Key quote: one of the most influential on the way people write history, I think, is Simon Schama's book Citizens.
The host mentions Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' to highlight its significant impact on the understanding of the French Revolution. Schama's narrative style and focus on the violence and costs of the revolution resonate with the controversial nature of the event, similar to Margaret Thatcher's views.

Simon Schama is absolutely brilliant on this. It's one of the many, many fantastic insights in his book.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: History enthusiasts and students of the French Revolution
Key quote: Simon Schama is absolutely brilliant on this.
The host discusses the significant events leading up to the French Revolution, highlighting the chaos and uprising in Grenoble. They reference Simon Schama's book to emphasize the complexities of the crowd dynamics and the role of various social classes during this pivotal moment in history.

Simon Schama in Citizens states that the more outrageous the denunciations of the established order, the better the Queen liked it.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and literature enthusiasts
Key quote: Simon Schama in Citizens says, the more outrageous the denunciations of the established order, the better the Queen liked it.
The host mentions Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' to illustrate how the Queen, Marie Antoinette, found humor in the mockery of the established order presented in Beaumarchais' play. This connection highlights the political and social dynamics of the time, showcasing the interplay between art and authority.

Simon Schama says in Citizens, discussing the implications of the trials and the public's perception of the participants.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and readers interested in French Revolution dynamics
Key quote: Simon Schama says in Citizens, he actually moved into a specially furnished apartment.
The host discusses how Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' reveals the disparity between the public's perception of the Cardinal's imprisonment and the reality of his luxurious conditions. This contrast highlights the complexities of public opinion during the tumultuous period leading up to the French Revolution.

Simon Schama says in Citizens, like all adolescent girls of her generation, she drank deep at the well of sentimental literature.

Sentiment: Highly Recommended
For: History enthusiasts and readers interested in French monarchy
Key quote: Simon Schama's book, Citizens. Is insanely enjoyable.
The host praises Simon Schama's book 'Citizens' for its engaging portrayal of Louis XVI, highlighting his unique interests and personality traits. The host emphasizes that despite its length, the book is enjoyable and visually appealing, making it worth reading.

Had the title not already been taken, I would have called this book Citizens, for they are its protagonists, and the tragedy of the Republic's collapse is theirs.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and those interested in political philosophy
Key quote: With it, an era of history passed away.
The host discusses the significance of Julius Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon, highlighting its implications for the Roman Republic and the concept of citizenship. The mention of the book 'Citizens' serves to underscore the values of freedom and rights that were central to Roman identity, which were ultimately threatened by Caesar's actions.

Simon Schama in his book Citizens, one reason a lot of people in France hated it was because Schama said violence was the motor of the revolution.

Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Historians and students of political science
Key quote: But basically, you know, it's exactly that.
The host mentions 'Citizens' by Simon Schama to illustrate the intricate dynamics of the French Revolution and the various power structures involved. The book provides a detailed exploration of how citizens and politicians interacted during this tumultuous period, highlighting the complexities of revolutionary movements.