The SSL ‘Book of the Month’ feature highlights a book in our collection that has been chosen by one of our Subject Consultants. This may be a recent addition to our stock or an existing item that we would like to share with you.

Anatomies of revolution

by George Lawson

Cambridge University Press, 2019

Shelfmark: JC491.LAW 2019

The Book of the Month for February has been selected by Jo Gardner, the Bodleian Social Science Librarian and Subject Consultant for Politics and International Relations.

It was chosen because the author provides a wide-ranging account of one of the world’s most important processes.

Book Overview

Spurred by events like the 2011 uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, the rise of the Islamic State and the emergence of populism, a new age of revolution has generated considerable interest. Anatomies of Revolution offers a detailed and novel account of how revolutions begin, unfold and end.

Reviews:

“With remarkable depth and breadth, George Lawson argues for a relational understanding of revolution as a dynamic social process.”
Erica Chenoweth, Harvard Kennedy School

“In this highly original study, George Lawson gives flesh to an “historicist” approach to the study of revolutions, outlining ideal-typical paths underpinning their materialization, unfolding, and outcome across multiple cases. In the process, he shows how revolutions are best understood in relational and global terms, and how revolution and avoidance of revolution have been central to the course of modern history.”
Mark R. Beissinger, Princeton University

“This book is a triumph when it comes to a creative theorisation of revolution, providing clarity not in spite of complexity, but through it.”
Eric Loefflad, University of Kent

Where can I find it?

We have one normal loan copy of the book that is currently on top of our New Books Display Area (located around the corner from our Library Issue Desk). You are welcome to remove it to have a look at it or borrow it (if you are eligible to borrow items). The shelfmark for the title is JC491.LAW 2019

What would your SSL Book of the Month be? Do you have a favourite book in our collection? If so, we would love to know what it is. Add a comment below or email us.