The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789  

Robert Darnton's *The Revolutionary Temper: Paris, 1748-1789* stands as a seminal work that dissects the intellectual and cultural currents that brewed beneath the surface of pre-revolutionary France. Darnton masterfully employs his signature microhistorical approach, delving into the archives to unearth the everyday lives, anxieties, and burgeoning ideas of Parisians across a crucial four-decade span. He illuminates how seemingly disparate elements—from the circulation of clandestine pamphlets and the rise of coffee houses to the anxieties surrounding bodily fluids and social order—converged to foster a growing sense of discontent and a readiness for radical change. This book is not just an account of the past; it’s an exploration of how public opinion is shaped, how collective sentiments are forged, and how the ground is prepared for seismic societal shifts. *The Revolutionary Temper* unequivocally earns its place among Robert Darnton's best for its profound analytical power and its enduring relevance to understanding the genesis of revolutions. Darnton’s ability to weave together dense archival research with compelling narrative makes complex historical processes accessible and utterly gripping. He doesn't just tell us what happened; he shows us *why* it happened, by immersing the reader in the sensory, intellectual, and emotional landscape of the era. For anyone seeking to understand the intricate, often unseen, forces that drive historical transformation, or to appreciate the subtle art of the historian's craft, *The Revolutionary Temper* is an indispensable and deeply rewarding read, showcasing Darnton at the height of his powers.