The Great Upheaval - by Jay Winik (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

It is an era that redefined history. As the 1790s began, a fragile America teetered on the brink of oblivion, Russia towered as a vast imperial power, and France plunged into revolution. But in contrast to the way conventional histories tell it, none of these remarkable events occurred in isolation.

Now, for the first time, acclaimed historian Jay Winik masterfully illuminates how their fates combined in one extraordinary moment to change the course of civilization. A sweeping, magisterial drama featuring the richest cast of characters ever to walk upon the world stage, including Washington, Jefferson, Louis XVI, Robespierre, and Catherine the Great, The Great Upheaval is a gripping, epic portrait of this tumultuous decade that will forever transform the way we see America's beginnings and our world

From the Back Cover

It is an era that redefined history. As the 1790s began, a fragile America teetered on the brink of oblivion, Russia towered as a vast imperial power, and France plunged into revolution. But in contrast to the way conventional histories tell it, none of these remarkable events occurred in isolation.

Now, for the first time, acclaimed historian Jay Winik masterfully illuminates how their fates combined in one extraordinary moment to change the course of civilization. A sweeping, magisterial drama featuring the richest cast of characters ever to walk upon the world stage, including Washington, Jefferson, Louis XVI, Robespierre, and Catherine the Great, The Great Upheaval is a gripping, epic portrait of this tumultuous decade that will forever transform the way we see America's beginnings and our world

Review Quotes

"Riveting. . . . Spectacular. . . . Broadening his approach lets Winik expand his cast of historical characters and showcase his dazzling ability to capture the drama of history. . . . This is one of those books you want to buy for friends and family. And our country's current leaders." - Deirdre Donahue, USA Today

"Ambitious. . . An authoritative study. . . . Intriguing." - The Boston Globe

"The Great Upheaval vividly recaptures the ferment of the 1790s. . . . A vigorous work of popular history. . . . Winik has capably synthesized a great deal of material into a lively narrative depicting the remarkable 12 years that did, indeed, give birth to the modern world." - The Los Angeles Times Book Review

"A historical work of rare drama and audacity, told with the tireless verve of a gifted storyteller." - Ron Chernow

"The Great Upheaval is great history, vividly told." - Jon Meacham

"Jay Winik's The Great Upheaval is a terrific work that will endure for years to come." - Doris Kearns Goodwin

"In this masterful book, Jay Winik sheds new light on a tumultuous decade rife with lessons for today." - Walter Isaacson

"A cinematic reconstruction of the birth of the modern world. No one interested in history will want to miss it." - Robert Dallek