“Highly recommended. . . In his erudite contribution to the topic, Arjomand breaks with the prevailing view by seeking the origins of the structure and meaning of political revolution in a deeper history.”

Choice

“Revolution is a landmark study of global, comparative, and transnational historical sociology. Arjomand examines a series of ancient and early modern revolutions in Asia and Europe, arguing that these revolutions emerged from processes of imitation and conquest and that they enhanced social integration and strengthened states. Revolution reconnects the history of Europe, Islam, and the Far East. It should interest all students of politics, states, empires, and revolutions.”

George Steinmetz | author of The Devil’s Handwriting

“It is a rare treat to find a book so ambitious in its aims. Arjomand’s scholarship is deep, his writing clear, and his analysis insightful. This bold, fascinating book is highly recommended to all scholars and students of revolution.”

George Lawson | author of Negotiated Revolutions

“Arjomand is a sociologist’s sociologist. He has mastered a vast range of historical knowledge and is able to journey across world history, from the Akkadians through the Greeks and Romans, on to Sasanian and Caliphal history, and eventually to medieval Europe and the Mongols. The yield is a most fruitful typology of revolution combining the highest grades of sociological theory and historical interpretation. Revolution is comparative historical sociology in the grand style.”

Aziz Al-Azmeh | author of The Emergence of Islam in Late Antiquity

“A masterful synthesis of knowledge about revolutions in the ancient and medieval world. Written by one of the world’s leading scholars on the Iranian revolution, this book offers a wealth of insights on revolutions that do not rely on the modern revolutionary myth.”

Hans Joas, Humboldt University of Berlin

"Arjomand’s book is a remarkable achievement for its historical scope and is a welcome addition to scholarship on the topic. . .I recommend it enthusiastically."

Mansoor Moaddel | Mobilization