Fatal purity

In this biography of Robespierre, the author shows how a provincial lawyer became the most controversial historical figure of the French Revolution, which began in 1789. Fatal Purity chronicles the life of the revolutionary leader until his tragic end at the guillotine in July 1794. Ruth Scurr reports that the "Incorruptible," as he was known, did not have many friends, was reserved and suspicious. He despised bribery, but was eventually corrupted by vanity and impulsiveness. Robespierre embodied the contradictions of the very revolution he led. To understand this character's life is to understand one of the most important changes for France and the world.