The conspirators

the long version

One of the most succinct yet impressive studies of what makes revolutionary acts of violence succeed or fail. A spell-binding read that uses the case study approach to ultimate precision. Goodspeed is most likely unpopular with academics looking at the broad sweep of variables and revolutionary events as data points. By focusing on the tactics of revolutionary violence, Goodspeed shows how a move here a counter move there made for the success or failure of a major historic event. Academicians likely will dismiss this as a study of tactics. Precisely, for the success or failure of specific acts of violence is about tactics, chance, and missed or seized opportunities. Those who believe in historical inevitability and one revolutionary event looking like another, all being data points, could not possibly deal with Goodspeed's razor sharp incisions into the military tactics that made or broke revolutions. An excellent read for both the enthusiast and the scholar who possesses an open mind that has not atrophied by exposure to the myths of social science.