A Tale of Two Cities

I've been reading Dickens' classic - something I somehow managed to avoid during my formal education! I've been enjoying it, and fully appreciate why it is a classic. However, it has made me realize there is another hole in my knowledge: The French Revolution itself: Causes, Actors, Outcomes. I know from a biography of Thomas Jefferson that he was horrified by the actions of the French, and quite dismayed that they could interpret the move to democracy in such a violent manner.

I need a recommendation of a good history of the French, especially one that covers the Revolution in depth. I'd like very much to gain an understanding of what forces led to their revolutionary experience being different from our own (or is that just a perception?), and perhaps some insight into how their revolution plays into the attitudes the French have today.

Sometimes, too, the best histories are biographies, so if a biography of a central figure is available, that could be a good approach, also. I'm open to your ideas!

Thanks!

Children's Humor

Seriously, the recent events have left me dumbstruck - and, besides, there is lots of discussion around the blogosphere about the various expected outcomes, along with plenty of analysis (often dire). So, in an effort to lighten things up a little and remind us that our (important) lives go on, here's a sampling of recent utterances from the littlest members of my household:

Me (on recent camping trip, contemplating the pine beetle devastation): I read recently that it is somewhat cyclical, that around 100 years ago there was a similar outbreak, with similar consequences...
10yr-old: Wow, Dad! Do you remember what it was like, you were, what, a teenager?
Me: Thanks for thinking me so young! No, I was already married...(!)

Me: Snacktime! Everyone pick their snacks.
5yr-old: (Holding up package): Dad! You have GOT to try these!
Me: No, that's ok. I have my own, and I wouldn't want to eat yours...
5yr-old: Dad! I don't like these!

Me: Watching TV wasn't the same when I was young, we didn't get to just watch anytime we wanted...
10yr-old: I remember! Like during the war, when you all had to huddle around the radio instead?
Me: We need to work on your concept of time! No, I meant that we only had 1, and had to share...