The book gives a concise insight into the motifs and peculiarities of autobiographical writing in the 1790's. We know of many self-representations by sympathizers and adversaries of the French Revolution alike, but these are only the tip of an iceberg. It is striking that throughout the decade any attempt to speak of oneself is deeply interwoven with the desire to reflect upon the Revolution. However, beneath the usual ideological position-taking, whether pro or contra the Revolution, the autobiographical writers deal with a new way of living history as an irresistible and irrevocable movement which not only renders the recently emancipated self powerless, but conversely provides the spur to metaphorically take up arms and, in doing so, resist.

Prof. Dr. Franziska Meier lehrt Französische und Italienische Literaturwissenschaft an der Universität Göttingen.