>What is the name of that famous book or article that
> argues that uprisings (at least in the west) have usually started with
> outrage at the price of basic foodstuffs. riots are started in order
> to plunder food supplies which leads to airing of more grievances
> which has sometimes led to insurrection.
>
> Tilly? Yes. Tilly.
http://www.jstor.org/pss/202442
Yes, Louise Tilly, whose work, like that of Charles, her husband, seems to have been forgotten somewhat. Which is too bad, because they are excellent.