Revolutionary Spring

Author Christopher Clark
Narrator Christopher Clark
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Run Time 33 hours and 26 minutes
Format Audio
Genre European history, History, Politics and government, Revolutionary groups and movements, Revolutions, uprisings, rebellions, Society and Social Sciences.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

'People embraced each other, shook hands, joy radiated from every eye, there was no limit to the celebrations . . .'

There can be few more exciting or frightening moments in European history than the spring of 1848. Almost as if by magic, in city after city, from Palermo to Paris to Venice, huge crowds gathered, sometimes peaceful and sometimes violent, and the political order that had held sway since the defeat of Napoleon simply collapsed.

Christopher Clark's spectacular new book recreates with verve, wit and insight this extraordinary period. Some rulers gave up at once, others fought bitterly, but everywhere new politicians, beliefs and expectations surged forward. The role of women in society, the end of slavery, the right to work, national independence and the final emancipation of the Jews all became live issues.

In a brilliant series of set-pieces, Clark conjures up both this ferment of new ideas and then the increasingly ruthless and effective series of counter-attacks launched by regimes who still turned out to have many cards to play. But even in defeat, exiles spread the ideas of 1848 around the world and - for better and sometimes much worse - a new and very different Europe emerged from the wreckage.

©2023 Christopher Clark (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

Magnificent, authoritative and deeply-researched… a supreme work of scholarship.

The Telegraph

Clark has achieved the impossible: a synoptic history of a subject which defies synopsis… this is history on an epic scale… a masterpiece and one of the best history books you will read this decade.

History Today

Refreshingly original… it’s fascinating, suspenseful, revelatory, alive. Familiar characters are given vibrancy and previously unknown players emerge from the shadows.. Clark’s prose is beautiful but also crystal clear

The Times

Magnificent… does a remarkable job weaving together the myriad strands that make up the narrative, allowing us to see the events in granular detail and with synoptic, Europe-wide vision.

Observer

Full of characters, colour and story, but also makes the arresting case that the revolutions … changed Europe and the world in ways felt to this day… the history teacher you wished you’d had.

Daily Mail

A marvel of research and analysis. No corner of Europe, from the Ukrainian borderlands to the Greek islands, escapes his gaze.. a titanic monument to historical scholarship.

Sunday Times

Exhilarating, heroic, horrifying and tragic, the events of the mid-19th century in Europe invite a good retelling … Christopher Clark’s new book is, arguably, the best to date … deeply researched, rich, engaging and though-provoking. There is now no better place to turn for readers who want to immerse themselves in this period and to reflect on how it resonates today.

Literary Review

Thrills with unexpected energy … this is narrative history in the grand style … superb.

Times Literary Supplement

An engrossing dissection of a revolutionary year in European society.

The Independent

Scintillating … [a] magnificent chronicle of the events leading up to and beyond 1848 … he tackles the complexity by giving sufficient space to the often thrilling stories of every uprising.

Economist

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.

Find your favourite titles