In A Very Short Introduction to Politics, Kenneth Minogue begins with a discussion of issues arising from a historical account of politics, and goes on to offer chapters dealing with the Ancient Greeks and the idea of citizenship; Roman law; medieval Christianity and individualism; freedom since Machiavelli and Hobbes; the challenge of ideologies; democracy, oligarchy, and bureaucracy; power and order in modern society; and politics in the West.

About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam


Surveying the history of politics from Plato to the present, it provides a good readable introduction to politics for beginners or a brushup for advanced students or faculty on areas too long ignored.--Choice

Minogue's slim volume is an admirably light and sensible guide to political practitioners and students who want to learn more about the theoretical and historical context of today's controversies....We would all sleep more soundly if every prospective parliamentary candidate from every party was required to read this admirable book before the next election.--Sir Philip Goodhart

Kenneth Minogue is a very lively stylist who does not distort difficult ideas....The book cannot fail to attract attention.--Maurice Cranston

A refreshing, provocative, witty book! It does an excellent job of placing politics within the contexts of history and modern life.--Steve D. Boilard, Western Kentucky University