'Roger Magraw's work has long been influential across the broad field of nineteenth-century French Studies. His books have shaped the ways in which students and specialists alike have approached the complex movements of post-revolutionary history. His present study is a remarkable work of synthesis.''His book is both accessible and comprehensive.'Modern Comtemporary France, 2004' With its combination of intriguing detail and lucid argument this work deserves a wide readership.'French History, Review of Books, 2004