Why read Journal of My Life?

Book cover of Journal of My Life

Book description

An eighteenth-century Frenchman describes life in Paris, the events of the French Revolution, and his own fondness for pranks and jokes.

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Why read it?

1 author picked Journal of My Life as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

David Garrioch

Author

The only first-hand account of life in Paris written by an artisan, matter-of-factly describing the city’s casual violence and bawdiness, the joys, and hardships, loves, and hatreds. Wonderfully translated, it captures a way of looking at the world that we’ve lost. But also the thoughtfulness of a largely self-educated man who is loyal to family and friends, rejects conventional religious belief, and supports the French Revolution.

From David's list on The best books on the social history of eighteenth-century Paris.