The history of the Revolution of France. Translated from the French
Contributions
- James White
- author
Related resources
- is related to
- Reflections on the Revolution in France, and on the Proceedings in Certain Societies in London relative to that event: In a letter intended to have been sent to a gentleman in Paris has translation
- is paratext of
- The history of the Revolution of France. Translated from the French translation has paratext has other edition
Summary (extracted citations)
p. iv: 'the following pages will prove to every reader, whose heart and understanding have not stooped to the sway of faction, not only how indispensable such a measure was to France, but likewise how unnecessary such a measure is in Britain (...). We need not a revolution. At the same time, I am far from thinking that there is nothing in our system of social order which required the hand of reformation'. p. v: 'The wrathful pamphlets that have reviled the revolution, which it is the object of the following history to justify and defend, are as deficient in point of wisdom, as they are with respect to temper. They are ungenerous, injudicious, and unjust'.
Notes
Rabaut's source text was one of many reactions to Burke's Reflections (1790). White takes a reformist stance. While praising Rabaut for showing how much France was in need of a revolution ('that rapid and renowned regeneration'), he claims that his work equally proves that a revolution is not needed in Britain. French recipes cannot be transplanted to Britain, which has its own constitution. Reform is nevertheless necessary. Addresses himself to 'every honest Briton' and to 'the good sense of the men of Britain'. White also praises the republican form of state, where merit and genius have a better chance to develop than under monarchies.