To Speak for the People - Public Opinion and the Problem of Legitimacy in the French Revolution (Hardcover)

Although there is now a great deal of literature on the concept of public opinion in the 18th century France, it is almost entirely devoted to the pre-revolutionary years. No book has tackled the concept of public opinion in the French Revolution itself. To Speak for the People is a lucid and innovative study that finally fills this gap. Historian Jon Cowans adds a strong and genuinely original voice to the historical debate over the problem of legitimacy during the Revolution drawing on the works of such luminaries as Jürgen Habermas, Keith Baker, François Furet, and Nancy Fraser. He then examines the uses of terms such as "public opinion," 'the public," and "the people" in political debates during the Revolution and analyses those terms' changing meaning and the role they played in attempts to secure political authority. While shedding new light on the Revolution itself, the book raises broader issues by addressing the problem of legitimacy that has haunted all revolutionary and democratic governments throughout the modern period.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	June 2001
First published:	2001
Authors:	Jon Cowans
Dimensions:	229 x 152 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	256
ISBN-13:	978-0-415-92971-4
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > 1750 to 1900 Books > Humanities > History > European history > General Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political control & freedoms > Political control & influence > Public opinion & polls Books > History > European history > General Books > History > World history > 1750 to 1900
LSN:	0-415-92971-7
Barcode:	9780415929714

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