pemuth59's review
5.0
Wow. What a surprise. I picked this one up because I've heard a lot about Mike Duncan's podcasts on revolutions in history. And I didn't know much about Lafayette expect for a few passing references to his role in the American Revolution. This is a great biography of a fascinating man who played a leading role in no less than about 40 years of U.S. and world history.
Duncan spins a great yarn -- a compelling story genuinely hard to put down. Lafayette seems to be everywhere revolution beckons. He makes powerful friends (Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson) and enemies (Napoleon, Marie-Antionette, and a basketful of head-chopping fanatics). Duncan portrays Lafayette as a brave and often brilliant man who makes a few dreadful mistakes for which he pays a very high price. And parts of the book are surprisingly funny, considering we're talking about some horrific bloodshed and national trauma.
Filled with telling, humanizing details, Duncan doesn't dwell on the intricacies of Enlightment thought or revolutionary philosophy. Fascinating as those subjects can be (see Schama, Simon or Wood, Gordon), this book is a fast-paced narrative of a crucial man and time in world history.
Duncan spins a great yarn -- a compelling story genuinely hard to put down. Lafayette seems to be everywhere revolution beckons. He makes powerful friends (Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson) and enemies (Napoleon, Marie-Antionette, and a basketful of head-chopping fanatics). Duncan portrays Lafayette as a brave and often brilliant man who makes a few dreadful mistakes for which he pays a very high price. And parts of the book are surprisingly funny, considering we're talking about some horrific bloodshed and national trauma.
Filled with telling, humanizing details, Duncan doesn't dwell on the intricacies of Enlightment thought or revolutionary philosophy. Fascinating as those subjects can be (see Schama, Simon or Wood, Gordon), this book is a fast-paced narrative of a crucial man and time in world history.
brandonlang's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
A fascinating dive into the legend of the Marquis de Lafayette, from his highest highs to some regrettable moments and decisions.