本书作者托克维尔通过对法国大革命大量史实的研究分析，揭示了旧制度与大革命的内在联系，探讨了十八世纪末法国大革命的起源以及大革命走向恐怖独裁的原因。原有的封建制度由于受到王权专制的侵害而变得摇摇欲坠，最终因大革命的爆发而坍塌，但社会动荡却并未带来革命党预期的结果，无论是统治者还是民众，最后都被相互间的怒火所吞噬。法国大革命在世界历史上有着重要的地位和影响，能给后来者以启迪，让后人在理解历史的同时有所警醒，它的内容和性质决定了此书具有深远的意义，必定会给读者带来心灵的启迪与震撼，让读者更清楚地认识到自己所处的时代，做一个以史为鉴的人。(The author – Tocqueville, through analyzing lots of historical facts of French Revolution, reveals the inner relation of the Old Regime and the Revolution, and discusses the origins of the French Revolution in the end of eighteenth century and the reason why the revolution turned into a terrorist dictatorship. Due to that the existing feudal system was destroyed by autocratic monarchy and became shaky, and eventually collapsed as a result of the outbreak of the Revolution, but the social unrest has not brought the results expected as Revolutionary Party, either rulers or people, were swallowed by inter-anger finally. The French Revolution has an important position and influence in world history; it enlightens newcomers, helps descendants to understand history as well as warn them. Its nature and content determine that the book has far-reaching significance, which will certainly bring readers spiritual enlightenment and shock, make them have a clearer understanding of their own times and learn from history.)