This study aims to update a classic of comparative revolutionary analysis, Crane Brinton's 1938 study The Anatomy of Revolution. It invokes the latest research and theoretical writing in history, political science, and political sociology to compare and contrast, in their successive phases, the English Revolution of 1640-60, the French Revolution of 1789-99, and the Russian Revolution of 1917-29. This book intends to do what no other comparative analysis of revolutionary change has yet adequately done. It not only progresses beyond Marxian socioeconomic "class" analysis and early "revisionist" stresses on short-term, accidental factors involved in revolutionary causation and process; it also finds ways to reconcile "state-centered" structuralist accounts of the three major European revolutions with postmodernist explanations of those upheavals that play up the centrality of human agency, revolutionary discourse, mentalities, ideology, and political culture.

Dr Richardson explains why the English Revolution remains so controversial and examines how and why historians have approached the subject over the past centuries.

This study aims to update a classic of comparative revolutionary analysis, Crane Brinton's 1938 study The Anatomy of Revolution. It invokes the latest research and theoretical writing in history, political science, and political sociology to compare and contrast, in their successive phases, the English Revolution of 1640 60, the French Revolution of 1789 99, and the Russian Revolution of 1917 29. This book intends to do what no other comparative analysis of revolutionary change has yet adequately done. It not only progresses beyond Marxian socioeconomic class analysis and early revisionist stresses on short-term, accidental factors involved in revolutionary causation and process; it also finds ways to reconcile state-centered structuralist accounts of the three major European revolutions with postmodernist explanations of those upheavals that play up the centrality of human agency, revolutionary discourse, mentalities, ideology, and political culture."

Although the causes of revolution are often internal, the occurrence of revolution has serious international consequences: existing alliances are upset, the importance of small and weak countries may be magnified, and serious efforts may be required to prevent the export of revolutions to other countries. Mark N. Katz brings together twelve readings from an impressive group of scholars that shed light on this important link between revolution and international relations. Katz introduces students to the ways in which revolution has impacted the international system and to key terms so they are better prepared to critically read and analyze the selections that follow. A distinctive feature of this collection-and one guaranteed to spark lively classroom discussion-is the inclusion of contending views in each part that explore a particular issue. The readings in Part I, for example, present differing arguments on why the link between revolution and international conflict exists or how it occurs. The authors excerpted in Part III disagree about the success or failure of democratization as a means to preempt revolution. And the final section offers opposing views as to the future impact of revolution on the international system. Abundant pedagogy throughout the volume guides students through each reading. Both a general and part introductions frame the readings while selection headnotes and critical thinking questions offer background information and underscore important cross-cutting themes. In addition, an annotated list of suggested readings points students toward resources for further study and research.