Histoire de la Commune de 1871 facts for kids

Histoire de la Commune de 1871 (which means History of the Paris Commune of 1871 in English) is a famous history book written by Prosper-Olivier Lissagaray. It was first published in 1876. This book is very important because Lissagaray was actually there during the Paris Commune. It gives us a clear look at what happened from someone who saw it all.

A Story from History

How the Book Was Written

Prosper-Olivier Lissagaray was involved in the Paris Commune. After the Commune ended, he had to leave France and went to London. While he was in exile, Lissagaray started writing his history of the event.

He first wrote a shorter version of his story in 1871. It was called Les huit journée de mai derrière les barricades (The Eight Days of May Behind the Barricades). The full book, Histoire de la Commune de 1871, was first published in 1876 by Henry Kistemaeckers.

Spreading the Story

Lissagaray's father-in-law, Karl Marx, thought the book was very important. He really wanted it to be translated into German. Marx believed it was the "first authentic" (true and real) story of the Paris Commune. He even helped choose the person who would translate it into German.

The book was translated and released in German in 1878. It was printed again in 1891 and 1894. The English translation came out in 1886. This English version was translated by Eleanor Marx, who was Karl Marx's daughter.

Lissagaray kept working on his book for about 25 years after it was first published. He added new research and updated his writing. The final and most complete version of his book was released in 1898. Lissagaray passed away in 1901.

Lasting Importance

Histoires de la Commune de 1871 became the most important eyewitness account of the Paris Commune. Lissagaray became well-known because of this powerful book. It helped people understand what truly happened during that time.