Sidebilder
PDF
ePub
[graphic][merged small]

From an engraving in the collection of William J. Latta, Esq.

ROBESPIERRE

AND THE

FRENCH

REVOLUTION

BY CHARLES F. WARWICK

AUTHOR OF MIRABEAU AND THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
DANTON AND THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

C

LONDON

T. FISHER UNWIN

ADELPHI TERRACE

Copyright, 1909, by
George W. Jacobs & Co.

220504

All rights reserved
Printed in U. S. A.

PREFACE

This is the last volume in a series of three books on the three most distinguished and representative men in each of the three distinctive periods of the French Revolution. The first volume is on Mirabeau, who dominated the Revolution from the meeting of the States-General in May, 1789, until his death in April, 1791, and whose purpose was to save the monarchy but to restrict its arbitrary power by constitutional limitations. The second volume is on Danton, who became, after the death of Mirabeau, the representative of the radical republican sentiment and was the controlling figure during the period that witnessed the overthrow of the monarchy, the establishment of the republic and the execution of the king. This, the third volume, is on Robespierre, the ruling spirit during the "Reign of Terror," from the expulsion of the Girondins until his execution in July, 1794.

It is not contended, of course, that the French Revolution can be divided by exact metes and bounds into three separate periods; but Mirabeau, Danton, and Robespierre, more than any other leaders of that era, stood in the periods they dominated as the representatives of the prevailing principles and purposes of the Revolu

As was originally stated, it has been my intention to trace briefly the causes of the Revolution and to group its principal events around these three men. Although each book is separate and complete in itself, the three volumes form a series covering the entire period of the Revolution.

All of the illustrations are from the very valuable collection of engravings, autograph letters, and documents owned by William J. Latta, Esq., of Philadelphia, and I take this opportunity to thank him for his kindness and courtesy in giving me access to his collection for the purpose of making selections.

I desire further in this connection to acknowledge my obligation to the Provost and the Librarian of the University of Pennsylvania for permitting me to make a translation of the original and very interesting letter of Robespierre to Benjamin Franklin, dated October 1, 1783, which appears in this volume.

CHARLES F. WARWICK.

Philadelphia, February, 1909.

« ForrigeFortsett »