Perseus Academic: Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements by James DeFronzo

"I know of no more lucid analysis of revolution’s role in remaking the modern world than James DeFronzo’s Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements. This clearly-written, well-researched, and completely updated fourth edition illuminates the diverse forces which have inspired and propelled revolution. By putting compelling portraits of specific revolutions into a global context, Professor DeFronzo helps college students and general readers alike anticipate revolutions to come and contemplate ways to deal with them. A comprehensive bibliography of print and other sources greatly enhances the value of this indispensable book." —P. Richard Bohr, College of St. Benedict’s and St. John’s University

“James DeFronzo provides an outstanding survey of twentieth-century revolutionary movements. This book broadly conceptualizes factors that led to these ruptures, and analyzes their significance and legacies. Its compelling interpretations make it an outstanding choice both for classes on modern revolutions as well as for general readers.” —Marc Becker, Truman State University

“In Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements, James DeFronzo has provided an excellent overview of the complex subject of revolution in clear, concise language. In this fourth edition, he has added important material, including sections on Color Revolutions, Daniel Ortega and the FSLN Regain the Presidency, Developments [in Iran] After the Election of Obama, and more. There is also a whole new chapter on Revolution through Democracy. DeFronzo's Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements is an excellent resource not only for students, but for policymakers, journalists, and scholars as well.” —Mark N. Katz, Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University

“James DeFronzo has surpassed his previous high standards once again in this indispensable guide to revolutionary matters, past, present, and perhaps to come. This is a book that is aging well as it grows up in the 21st century, and its new chapter on the dramatic events unfolding in Venezuela and Bolivia will be much appreciated.” —John Foran, University of California at Santa Barbara

“This smart, accessible, and compelling text is packed with information and provides one-stop shopping for those interested in the major revolutions and revolutionary movements of the last hundred years. DeFronzo captures the high points and the complexity that mark the revolutionary processes of the past hundred years—an excellent entry point in this fascinating field.” —Eric Selbin, Professor of Political Science and University Scholar, Southwestern University

Praise for prior editions:

“An excellent and accessible text on twentieth-century revolutions. Ideal for undergraduate use.”
— K. Kumar, University of Virginia

“A well-written, seriously researched volume on revolutions in the 20th century. It is an excellent textbook.”
— American Historical Review

“DeFronzo has the admirable knack of conveying a good deal of information in a highly readable, concise manner.… [He] provides clarity, readable accounts, and wide accessibility.”
— Political Science Quarterly

“Highly recommended as a primary text for an undergraduate course on modern revolution or as supplementary reading in a foreign policy course.”
— Studies in Conflict & Terrorism

“Theoretically informed, yet highly accessible.… This will serve as an excellent text for introductory courses on revolution and as a fine supplement for courses on social change. The bibliography of film and video resources is a welcome bonus.”
— W. L. Goldfrank, University of California at Santa Cruz

“Truly a teacher’s delight.… If anything can repair the generally woeful state of ignorance and misinformation abroad about Third World revolutionary movements, it is DeFronzo’s book.”
— Peter F. Klarén, George Washington University

“Well written, well researched, well argued.… James DeFronzo combines illuminating discussion of some of the major theories of revolution with vivid description of how revolutions are made and won.”
— Mohsen M. Milani, University of South Florida

“This book provides an exceptional framework for understanding why world revolutions occur and their character decades later. DeFronzo takes us on a tour of the most important revolutions of the twentieth century, packing concise and complex information into a coherent presentation.… Students will appreciate the book’s clear organization and relevant data while professors will be able to rely on its conceptual richness, accuracy, and openness.”
— Thomas Shapiro, Northeastern University