The product of a powerful and original mind, this is the history that introduced English-speaking people to the full meaning and tragedy of the French Revolution. First published in 1837, it established Thomas Carlyle's reputation as a historian of enduring scholarly and popular appeal. His scrupulous attention to facts and details, combined with his eloquent and poetic style, conveys a spirited sense of reality. The dramatic narrative is populated by vivid characterizations of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, Mirabeau, Danton, Robespierre, Lafayette, Marat, and other heroes and villains of the era. This abridged edition offers the best introduction to Carlyle's masterpiece for students and history buffs.