+ − Pub W 98:657 S 18 ’20 350w
“One finds that the title is inappropriate. Indeed, not a few will conclude that Mary never quite attains a position of first importance.”
+ − Springf’d Republican p9a N 14 ’20 550w
WEBSTER, NESTA H. French revolution; a study in democracy. *$8 Dutton 944.04
“‘The siege of the Bastille—the march on Versailles—the two invasions of the Tuileries—the massacres of September—and finally the reign of terror—these form the history of the French people throughout the revolution. The object of this book is, therefore, to relate as accurately as conflicting evidence permits, the true facts about each great crisis, to explain the motives that inspired the crowds, the means employed to rouse their passions; and thereby to throw a truer light on the role of the people, and ultimately on the revolution as the great experiment in democracy.’”—The Times [London] Lit Sup Jl 24
“The method of the book is as unscientific as the conception of the problem. It was a pure waste of time to write such a book, and it is unfortunate that it was ever published, for it is attractively written, has all the earmarks of a scientific work, and may do much harm, if it finds its way into public libraries and into the hands of readers incapable of forming a correct estimate of its value.” F. M. Fling
− Am Hist R 25:714 Jl ’20 600w
“That there is a kernel of truth in each of these factors which fomented trouble and disorder in France, as there is at the bottom of every caricature, none will deny; but to magnify them a hundred-fold as the great cause of the revolution is to caricature, not correct, history. Mrs Webster’s volume is exceedingly interesting: it may lead historians to pay more attention to these new factors which she emphasizes.” S. B. Fay
− + Am Pol Sci R 14:732 N ’20 470w