The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s

A thrilling and unprecedented account of the radicalism and political extremism that gripped the 1970s – a seismic decade that transformed the modern world. Jason Burke delivers a deep dive into the network of extremists who terrorized the West through intricately planned plane hijackings and hostage-takings, revealing the dark origins of our fractured modern world.

Key Insights & Content

• Examines the network of 1970s extremists including Leila Khaled, Carlos the Jackal, and the Baader-Meinhof Gang.
• Analyzes the shared motivations: hatred of Israel, capitalism, and ‘Western imperialism’.
• Details audacious attacks that brought governments to their knees and captivated global audiences.
• Draws on decades of research, declassified and secret documents, and first-hand interviews with hijackers, spies, witnesses, and victims.
• Explores the underground realm of loyalty, betrayal, and commitment to radical change at any cost.

Accolades & Recognition

This work has been recognized as a Book of the Year by The Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Economist, Prospect, and BBC History. It was also shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2025.

Specifications

• Author: Jason Burke
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 768 pages
• Publication Date: June 11, 2026
• ISBN-10: 1529934540
• ISBN-13: 978-1529934540
• Dimensions: 130 x 46 x 197mm (13 x 4.6 x 19.7 cm)
• Weight: 500 g
• Publisher: Vintage

This monumental work offers an astonishing window into the origins of modern terrorism and its relevance today, told with cool authority and a novelist's eye for detail.