In "A New World Begins," Jeremy D. Popkin delivers a masterful and engrossing narrative of the French Revolution, an epochal event that reshaped the contours of modernity. With an expert's grasp on the tumultuous period, Popkin guides readers through the fervent ideological battles and the seismic political upheavals that dismantled a monarchy and set the stage for a radical reimagining of society. Through vivid portrayals of iconic figures such as Mirabeau, Robespierre, and Danton, the book brings to life the brilliance and the darkness of revolutionary fervor, capturing the essence of a time when lofty ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity were tested in the crucible of violent conflict and radical change. This definitive account goes beyond the surface of historical events to explore the profound implications of the revolution on the fabric of global society. Popkin skillfully narrates the failed escape and tragic execution of Louis XVI, the passionate demands for equal rights by women, and the courageous struggle of black slaves for freedom against revolutionaries who faltered to live up to their own declarations of human rights. As the narrative unfolds, the emergence of Napoleon from the chaos of the Reign of Terror signals the complex legacy of the revolution. "A New World Begins" is not just a recounting of history; it is a compelling exploration of the enduring conflicts over the principles that underpin a just society, making it an essential read for understanding the forces that have shaped the modern world.