Description: The day of 9 Thermidor (27 July 1794) is universally acknowledged as a major turning-point in the history of the French Revolution. At 12.00 midnight, Maximilien Robespierre, the most prominent member of the Committee of Public Safety which had for more than a year directed the Reign of Terror, was planning to destroy one of the most dangerous plots that the Revolution had faced.
By 12.00 midnight at the close of the day, following a day of uncertainty, surprises, upsets and reverses, his world had been turned upside down. He was an outlaw, on the run, and himself wanted for conspiracy against the Republic. He felt that his whole life and his Revolutionary career were drawing to an end. As indeed they were. He shot himself shortly afterwards. Half-dead, the guillotine finished him off in grisly fashion the next day. The Fall of Robespierre provides an hour-by-hour analysis of these 24 hours.Review Quotes: "The Historian Colin Jones has a gift for examining events afresh." -- New Statesman
"Behind the books general reader-friendly narrative structure, academics will find historical virtuosity on display." -- Katie Jarvis, The English Historical Review"This is a remarkable, barnstorming doorstop of a book." -- David Andress, French History"This is a remarkable, barnstorming doorstop of a book." -- David Andress, French History"Colin Jones's micro-history can be fundamental reading." -- Timothy Tackett, University of California, Irvine, Journal of Modern History