Product Description

In this provocative but balanced essay, Kenneth Minogue discusses the development of politics from the ancient world to the twentieth century. He prompts us to consider why political systems evolve, how politics offers both power and order in our society, whether democracy is always a good thing, and what future politics may have in the twenty-first century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19093 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
Kenneth Minogue is Professor of Political Science at the London School of Economics, and author of a number of books, including he Liberal Mind (1961), Nationalsim (1967), and Alien Powers: The Pure Theory of Idealogy (1985), as well as academic essays on a great range of problems in political theory.

Customer Reviews

A Good Introduction to Politics
As a second year political science student, I considered it to be excellently written, even for people who don't have much idea on politics, and it gives a good insight on what the main theories and ideas that you need to retain on politics. He introduces a good evolution of politics from ancient Rome and Greece to the twentieth century. In all it's a great jargon-free introduction to politics and is very recomended.

A brilliant book!
This is probably one of the most amazing, challenging and beautifully-written books I have ever read in my life (at least in English). Kenneth Minogue has produced an outstanding page-turner. The book covers the essential history of politics and looks at the ways in which it is experienced, construed, challenged and also threatened in our modern society. It is an excellent introduction that every serious student of Politics must read.

However, I think that first year university students, who have little or no knowledge of politics might find the content of this book a bit tricky and confusingly complicated. It thus seems appropriate to rename it from "A Very Short Introduction" to "A Very Short Review".

A bit chewy!
This book is very well written, just like all the other books of the series I've read.

The only thing I found difficult is that the author uses overly long and complicated words, which are not always necessary. The other thing is that you really need to have a good insight on the basics of politics: some essential writings (Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobes, Locke etc), otherwise you don't really understand half the things he mentions.

It really makes sense though - it is a highly complicated and intricate subject, and in order to write such a brief introduction to the topic, the author has had to take some things for granted.

Great book overall, would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in politics, history, societies etc.