Explores the legacies of the French Revolution, from its ideological precursors, including Montesquieu and Rousseau, to its political protagonists, notably Robespierre. Arguing that the aspirations of the Revolution have yet to be achieved, Hayward concludes that the Revolution is not over.

This work explores the legacies of the French Revolution, from its ideological precursors, including Montesquieu and Rousseau, to its political protagonists, notably Robespierre. Hayward also considers critics ranging from the extreme political right to the extreme left, such as Maistre, Saint-Simon, Constant, Tocqueville, Proudhon and Blanqui. Arguing that the aspirations of the Revolution have yet to be achieved, Hayward concludes that the Revolution is not over.