Revolution, Counterrevolution and Assassination Through World War II - by Robert C Cottrell (Paperback)

About the Book

""Since the French Revolution, the quest for revolutionary transformation and the fear of such change became deeply ingrained in the global landscape through World War II. Modern revolutions inspired counterrevolutions that strove to turn back time to an allegedly purer, finer, more moral period than the upheaval and anarchy linked to a revolutionary epoch. Revolutions often occurred through violence, and entailed a disruption of existing social, economic and political orders. Counterrevolutions were equally guilty, and frequently more so, of horrific bloodletting in the name of restoring law and order, often by shredding legal and ethical norms. Drawing from a vast array of sources both primary and secondary, this first of a two-volume set presents a highly detailed narrative of an unholy trinity: revolution, counterrevolution and assassination. Combining intellectual, political, social and cultural history, this book highlights international protagonists, movements and ideas supporting the radical or reactionary upheaval of society, and the means that have been used to do so."-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

Since the French Revolution, the quest for revolutionary transformation and the fear of such change became deeply ingrained in the global landscape through World War II. Modern revolutions inspired counterrevolutions that strove to turn back time to an allegedly purer, finer, more moral period than the upheaval and anarchy linked to a revolutionary epoch. Revolutions often occurred through violence, and entailed a disruption of existing social, economic and political orders. Counterrevolutions were equally guilty, and frequently more so, of horrific bloodletting in the name of restoring law and order, often by shredding legal and ethical norms.

Drawing from a vast array of sources both primary and secondary, this first of a two-volume set presents a highly detailed narrative of an unholy trinity: revolution, counterrevolution and assassination. Combining intellectual, political, social and cultural history, this book highlights international protagonists, movements and ideas supporting the radical or reactionary upheaval of society, and the means that have been used to do so.

Review Quotes

"Cottrell examines the revolutionary phenomenon across the world with chapters on Ireland, Spain, Russia, Japan, and other countries. This global and comparative approach adds special dimensions to this work, illuminating the complicated aspects surrounding all three concepts found in the title. The author balances the excessive detail that exists on this topic with a narrative that traces the development across cultures and time. The global aspect demonstrates that the predisposition to revolution, counterrevolution, or assassination is not limited to one country but rather is a universal human tendency. The book is based on some of the most recent scholarship and essential primary sources on this topic. It is very accessible for general readers and, divided into 15 chapters, is clearly formatted for classroom use. This work will be valuable for scholars, instructors, students, and lay readers. ... Recommended."-Choice

About the Author

A professor emeritus of history and American studies at California State University, Chico, Robert C. Cottrell is the author of more than twenty books, including studies of the counterculture, the year 1968, American radicalism, black baseball and the World War II smokejumpers.