Paris under the Commune: The Seventy-Three Days of the Second Siege; with Numerous Illustrations, Sketches Taken on the Spot, and Portraits (from the Original Photographs)

"Paris under the Commune" by John Leighton is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book delves into the turbulent episode of the Paris Commune, which lasted seventy-three days during the spring of 1871, capturing the chaos and emotional intensity of this revolutionary period as Parisians grappled with issues of governance, social upheaval, and war. The opening of the narrative introduces the atmosphere of unrest and anticipation in Paris as the French struggle against Prussian forces, setting the stage for the rise of the Commune. Leighton reflects on the day's events of March 18, 1871, a pivotal moment when the National Guards took control of the city, resulting in turmoil and the execution of two generals, Clément Thomas and Lecomte, by the insurrectionists. Through vivid descriptions, Leighton paints a picture of the conflicts brewing between the revolutionary factions and the established government, highlighting a city caught between the aspirations of the citizens and the realities of war and political strife. This complex backdrop foreshadows the unfolding drama of the Commune, where the dreams of democracy clash with the chaos of radicalism, paving the way for a tragic yet consequential chapter in French history.