Reviews

Dancing to the Precipice: Lucie de la Tour du Pin and the French Revolution by Caroline Moorehead

bosullivan's review

3.0

More a concise history of late 18th century and early 19th century France than a mere biography. I may even be able to keep the Louises straight, now.

humblebee's review

4.0

A wonderful alternative view of revolutionary France. Rather than the usual dry historical text which focuses primarily on the central instigators and participants (almost all men), this well written biography focuses on a woman who witnessed these events, was affected by them, and who was able to record them for posterity. We are able to witness events first hand through the diaries of Lucie de la Tour du Pin, all the while marvelling at her ability to survive what must have been traumatic events.

Often the only portraits of women at this time are of aggressive fish-wives, blood thirsty tricoteuse or simpering ladies of the court. It is refreshing to see a woman of this time, so clearly well educated and naturally intelligent, make the use of these talents to chronicle life before, during and after the revolution.