This book is a historical and comparative study of the politics and practice of the coup d'etat. But, having said this, it is not primarily concerned with the logistics of the coup, including such essentials as strategy, timing, and the composition of the conspiratorial group. Instead, it concentrates more on the various types of coup, and the motivations of those who plot to overthrow governments - often by violent means.

Not least of all, it looks at the social repercussions of coups, and at the conditions which make for their success or failure. It seeks also to differentiate the coup from the revolt/rebellion which, when successful, we normally term a revolution. These usually originate within the wider society, possibly with outside help in terms of men and material. Coups, by contrast, are acts which derive from within the system. In effect, they are the system turning on itself.

This book will be of interest to students of politics, history and the social sciences.