Featuring readings by both contemporary and earlier historians, this anthology represents conflicting views on the causes and consequences of the French revolution, the role of the peasantry and the clergy, the changing status of women, and the character of the National Assembly, the Terror, and the Directory. The influence of class conflict, revolutionary ideology, media, and the political culture of the time are emphasized. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)