"The Seven Days in May" is a political thriller novel written by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II, published in 1962. The story revolves around a military coup in the United States, where a group of high-ranking military officials plot to overthrow the President, who is perceived as weak and compromising. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, and the fragility of democracy. The novel was adapted into a film in 1964, directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. The film closely follows the book's plot, highlighting the tension between military authority and civilian governance. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked military power.