History of the Paris Commune

[Theory&Action]

Does anyone have a suggestion of a comprehensive history of the (1871) Paris Commune? I'm trying to learn the conditions that led up to it and the successes/failures that occurred in the couple months that Parisians controlled their own city. I'd prefer if it was written from an anarchist point of view, or at least sympathetic to the cause. Also, I am able to read French if that is all that is available.

Thanks!

[Sasha]

the book "orgasms of history: 3000 years of spontanius insurection" (ak press i think) has an good chapter on the commune.

you can read it i think complete here: http://books.google.com/books?id=VsnB0WA9zwEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=orgasms+of+history&source=bl&ots=sDzeNX5vOt&sig=A8nQ9s_tTm6qFokPJTOEukoNsKw&hl=en&ei=EyaETOeGK9SMOPujjNwP&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=false

[bricolage]

Lissagary's History of the Commune is the best primary source on it.
I'd recommend Stewart Edward's book on the Commune, also Shafers is quite good too.
Robert Tombs is regarded as a good scholar on it but he is very anti-communard to the extent that I think it clouds his historical research.
I wouldn't start with Marx as it isn't a very good historical text, but interesting in terms of analysis, same with Bakunin. Lenin and Trotsky just get it all wrong so I'd ignore them.
There are a number of decent books on the role of women such as Surmounting the Barricades and Unruly Women, and another one I can't remember.
Also you can get a Rebel Times condensed edition of Louise Michel's memoirs which is very good.

I'm sure I'll remember some more soon.

[Theory&Action]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I think I'll start off with Stewart Edwards history to get my footing and graduate to the first-hand account by Lissagaray. I'm happy that I'll finally be able to rid myself of my ignorance on this important time in history.

[bricolage]

Cool, if you ever want someone to discuss the Commune with just send me a message, I'd be more than happy to do so.

[Volcanicity]

I read a book years ago called the Paris Commune of 1871 by Frank jellinek,im not sure if its still in print,but if you can pick it up second-hand its worth reading.

[bricolage]

I read a book years ago called the Paris Commune of 1871 by Frank jellinek,im not sure if its still in print,but if you can pick it up second-hand its worth reading.
Crap knew I forgot one! This is a good one too.

So I'd say Edwards, Shafer or Jellinek.