"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

1. Why Despots Don't Belong in Politics; 2. The Classical Greeks: How to be a Citizen; 3. The Romans: The Real Meaning of Patriotism; 4. Christianity and the Rise of the Individual; 5. Constructing the Modern State; 6. How to Analyse a Modern State; 7. Relations between States: How to Balance Power; 8. The Experience of Politics: I - How to be an Activist; 9. The Experience of Politics: II - Parties and Doctrines; 10. The Experience of Politics: III - Justice, Freedom, and Democracy; 11. Studying Politics Scientifically; 12. Ideology Challenges Politics; 13. Can Politics Survive the Twenty-first Century? Further Reading; Index