Public Opinion in Early France

In this book, Arlette Farge argues that there was a popular public sphere in 18th-century France. The 18th century was awash with rumour and talk; the words and opinions of ordinary people filled the streets of Paris. Drawing on chronicles, newspapers, memoirs, police reports and newsheets from the time, Farge shows that ordinary Parisians had definite opinions on what was happening in their city - visible, real, everyday events such as executions, price rises and revolts. Yet the political significance of these opinions was denied by a government which preferred to regard them as unsophisticated, impulsive, and inept.