Fire in the Minds of Men: Origins of the Revolutionary Faith

I enjoy reading this book because it provides information about how Revolutions begin and the concepts supporting the Revolutionary's ideology.

This is one of the great history books of our time.Billington provides a comprehensive account of the revolutionary obsession from the 18th until the 20th century. He examines in particular national and socialist revolution and the cast of sometimes bizarre characters, cults and conspiracies that peppered these movements.Beautifully written, it is a joy to read. Billington treats his subject matter with empathy but is by no means a revolutionist himself.Gibbon's "Decline aand Fall of the Roman Empire" is still being read today more than three centuries after it was penned. Billington's book will be a must read centuries from now too.

I have not read this book yet but I know it is a classic and was highly recommended by the distinguished Dr. Stanley Monteith. I recommend a youtube video. Here is the youtube title: The Forbidden Secret Dr. Stanley Monteith

its a good read

This book deals with the development of revolutionary theories and practices from the French Revolution, through Marx and Engels, and into the 20th Century. Billington traces how revolutionaries came to think of their actions as eventually creating a utopia, even if they would not live to see it. This quasi-religious viewpoint can be seen in the radical religious movements currently active in the world.

Amazing book that all should read

Am still in the process of reading the book, as it is a good-sized tome. But it is worth every page. On the same level as 'Democracy in America' by Toquevile.

Good book

Only just begun to read this but this is a very indepth discussion of how revolutions are ignited

This book is extremely inciteful and I have had to re-read several parts as it touches on metaphysical subject matters. The product arrived over 9 weeks with a circular coffee stain on the front. A couple of times I was contacted to cancell the order as it was taking a long time to deliver. I wanted the book so I persisted in waiting, however they could of taken time to wipe the front cover before eventually posting it.

Worth the read!

An extensive, thoroughly researched and highly accessible book that courageously covers the idea of revolution in 19th century, but one which requires patience and concentration. Contains several useful biographies of key revolutionaries - such as Babeuf, Blanqui, Marx - and many other lesser known characters in the revolutionary opera. The author is quite clearly a superior researcher, utilizing a vast range of sources.

Wow. There's so much behind the Western Culture that I had no idea about. Very in depth. Very 'humanising' I felt. He shows the ideas, the drama, but also the human element. Seriously impressive.