Richard Bourke at Literary Review:
The word ‘revolution’ enjoys a special place in our political vocabulary. It is associated with events that shaped the modern world – the English Revolution of the mid-17th century, the French Revolution of 1789, the revolutions of 1848, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Chinese Revolution beginning in 1927. In each of these, the word refers to a sudden transformation. Above all, it signifies a radical change of regime – most commonly involving a shift from monarchy to republic. But if the word ‘revolution’ is often used in this specific sense, it has not always been confined to this single register of meaning. Two important new works both argue this case. Both exhibit impressive range and subtlety.
Dan Edelstein’s The Revolution to Come takes us from periods of upheaval (stasis) in ancient Greece through the French and Russian Revolutions, pointing to a dramatic shift in the understanding of revolutionary change that emerged in the 18th century. Originally denoting a destructive breakdown, the word came to stand for abundant promise. According to Edelstein, this change captures a defining difference between ancient and modern politics.
more here.
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