On Politics

On Politics
ISBN-10
0140285180
ISBN-13
9780140285185
Series
On Politics
Category
Political Science
Pages
1114
Language
English
Published
2013
Author
Alan Ryan

Description

This is a book about the answers that historians, philosophers, theologians, practising politicians and would-be revolutionaries have given to one question: how should human beings best govern themselves? Almost every modern government claims to be democratic; but is democracy really the best way of organising our political life? Can we manage our own affairs at all? Should we even try? In the west, do we actually live in democracies? In this extraordinary book Alan Ryan engages with the great thinkers of the past to show us how vividly their ideas speak to us in today's uncertain world. 'Outstanding and original . . . As an accessible introduction to the nature of political thought, On Politics could scarcely be bettered.' Oliver Kamm, The Times 'A magnificent piece of work . . . anyone remotely interested in political theory will profit from reading or dipping into Ryan's On Politics.' Jeremy Waldron, New York Review of Books 'Anyone interested in political thought will relish his wit, intelligence and brio . . . this book reminds us why political thinking should remain an essential part of our lives.' Mark Mazower, Prospect 'A hymn to the great Western canon of political thought . . . it restores our enthusiasm for politics.' Economist 'A brave and clever book . . . crammed with smart observations and wise advice.' John Keane, Financial Times

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