The Revolutionary Temper

In this engaging history, Robert Darnton examines how ordinary Parisians perceived and experienced the events leading up to the French Revolution, focusing on the city's vibrant information culture—including pamphlets, gossip, and public performances—that shaped public consciousness. Drawing on extensive research, he explores the motivations, aspirations, and social dynamics that propelled Parisians toward revolution, presenting the past as a vivid and relatable story. With clear judgment and compelling prose, Darnton makes complex historical debates accessible and immersive for listeners.