Brilliant. Learning through laughter, what a novel concept! Genuinely "laugh-out-loud funny" (as opposed to all those novels that assure me in big, bold letters that they are "laugh-out-loud funny" but fail to elicit anything but a smile), engaging, informative and engrossing. And, as always, Steel's passion and enthusiasm are infectious. ( )

I received a copy of this book from my mother-in-law. She, in turn had received her copy as the member of a reading group, and she felt, not surprisingly, that it was much more my thing than hers.The book is a history of the French Revolution, told with good humour and affection by a notorious 'leftist' comedian. The book strips away some of the stuff that you might have thought you knew about the French Revolution, which was probably the product of a 'rightist' education system, leaving a story which highlights what was so good about the intentions of the revolution while not shying away from those things that might be considered to have been its failures. ( )

Steel's irreverent wit makes this account of the French revolution accessible and hugely entertaining. Written in much the same style as his Radio 4 lectures, this is popular history for the masses and exceedingly well done. ( )

A hilarious and informative history of what is arguably the most important event in human history. A must read for any political/history buff, or anyone who just wants to learn about this important event. ( )

the funniest history book I've ever read. ( )