Peasant Uprisings in Seventeenth-Century France, Russia and China by Ronald Mousnier (HQ566)

Published 1971: First Edition / Softcover / Very Good Condition / Illustrated

Original pictorial stiff card covers. 358 very clean and bright pages. Slight shelf wear on covers consistent with age. (HQ566)

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This book, first published in 1971, is a close analysis of some of the typical peasant uprisings of the seventeenth century. The goal of the movements in France and China was a return to an older and more traditional society, rather than a profound transformation of the social structure. In Russia, however, the peasants attempted to overturn the rigid order of a two-class structure and replace it with a more democratic society.

Reviews:
Very detailed and convincing, at least when it comes to the French example. Mousnier has less insight into the Chinese and Russian social structures, and more a grasp on the functioning of the elite in those countries. In China in particular he lacks a level of detail on the structure of the rural economy that is present in the French analysis. Hard to believe that social relations in China could be condensed so easily.

The are a couple moments where Mousnier's religious motivations break through, but we can allow a historian the passion of his beliefs, on occasion, as it is generally better to be honest with one's reader than to conceal one's true feelings.

My other criticism is that I don't buy the distinction between a society of orders and a society of classes. I don't think he proves that one.

A careful, thoroughly argued piece of work, a good start to the social and economic context of those revolts.

https://www.amazon.ie/Peasant-Uprisings-Seventeenth-Century-France-Russia/dp/