François Furet was a French historian renowned for his works on the French Revolution. His scholarship delved into the profound ideological currents and complex events that shaped this pivotal era. Furet approached history with a critical lens, questioning established narratives and seeking to unravel the intricate dynamics of historical change. His intellectual legacy lies in his stimulating interpretations of the past, which continue to engage scholars and readers alike.
In his major work on communism, the international bestseller The Passing of an Illusion, the eminent French historian Francois Furet devoted a lengthy footnote to German historian Ernst Nolte's interpretation of fascism. This title offers opportunity to witness and learn from a confrontation between two of the world's distinguished historians.
The Idea of Communism in the Twentieth Century
Focusing on the ideological passions of the modern era, this work by a leading twentieth-century historian delves into the historical forces that have shaped contemporary thought. It offers a critical examination of the beliefs and motivations that have driven societal changes, providing insights into the complexities of modern history and its lasting impacts.
Focusing on the transformative years surrounding the French Revolution, this volume presents a compelling narrative that reinterprets the dual revolutions of 1789. The first aimed for egalitarian ideals, while the second, led by Bonaparte, established an authoritarian regime. This tension between revolutionary aspirations and emerging authoritarianism profoundly influenced the development of the Republic, ultimately reshaping the political landscape after the fall of the ancien régime.
The author applies the philosophies of Alexis de Tocqueville and Augustin Cochin to both historical and contemporary explanations of the French Revolution.