author
Sir Archibald Alison
1792–1867
A Scottish historian and lawyer, he became widely known for his sweeping, conservative account of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic age. His books were hugely read in the 19th century and helped shape how many Victorian readers understood modern European history.
1 Audiobook
Travels in France during the years 1814-15 Comprising a residence at Paris, during the stay of the allied armies, and at Aix, at the period of the landing of Bonaparte, in two volumes.
by Sir Archibald Alison, Patrick Fraser Tytler
About the author
Born in Shropshire on December 29, 1792, and raised in Edinburgh, Sir Archibald Alison built a career in law before becoming one of Britain's best-known historical writers. He served in prominent legal posts in Scotland, including work as an advocate and later as sheriff of Lanarkshire, while also writing steadily for a large reading public.
Alison is best remembered for his multi-volume History of Europe from the Commencement of the French Revolution to the Restoration of the Bourbons, published between 1833 and 1842. The work offered a strongly conservative interpretation of revolution, politics, and society, and it made him famous well beyond Scotland. He later continued the story in further historical volumes and also wrote on political and social questions.
Though modern readers may not always share his views, Alison remains an interesting figure because he wrote history on an epic scale and with a clear sense of argument. His life sits at the meeting point of law, politics, and popular history, making him a revealing voice from 19th-century Britain.