"An important and provocative comparative study... [This book] is certainly a 'must' read for comparative, historical, and political sociologists of all stripes, not just specialists on Russia or Iran."--Jeff Goodwin, American Journal of Sociology "This is a stimulating, exciting read, a fresh take on the causes of (certain) revolutions, filled with perceptive analysis of two cases... I heartily hope that it reaches the wide audience it deserves, which extends to anyone interested in good macrosociology generally."--John Foran, Contemporary Sociology