Product Description

This bestselling dictionary contains over 1,700 entries on all aspects of politics. Written by a leading team of political scientists, it embraces the entire spectrum of political theory, including political thinkers, history, institutions, and concepts, as well as notable current affairs that have shaped attitudes to politics. Fully revised and updated, the third edition includes a wealth of new material in areas such as international relations, political science, political economy, and methodologies, as well as a chronology of key political theorists. An appendix contains timelines listing the principal office-holders of a range of countries including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and China. The book also boasts entry-level Internet links that are updated regularly on a companion website, ensuring that the links remain current and relevant. International in scope, the dictionary will prove invaluable to students and academics studying politics and related disciplines, as well as politicians, journalists, and the general reader seeking clarification of political terms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #549248 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 656 pages

About the Author

Iain McLean is Official Fellow in Politics at Nuffield College, Oxford, and Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford.
Alistair McMillan is a Research Officer working at Nuffield College, Oxford.

Customer Reviews

You Don't Want To Study Politics Without It
Concision is a necessity in any dictionary, but thorough essentiality is a delightful plus. It is that extra which abounds in this work. The definitions provide readers with enough essentials to provide them with a working knowledge of the subject matter and to spur further reading.

No work can be entirely devoid of ideology, but I saw nothing particularly "leftist" about this work. That specter seems to haunt one reviewer below. However, it is more accurate to say that this dictionary sees no need to repeat the "official" views of neo-liberal democracies about its perceived enemies. It is as "objective" as a political book can be and as accurate as we expect of a dictionary.

This is an excellent tool for those who need explanations of political matters, which includes anyone who studies politics seriously. I highly recommend it.

Two thumbs up.
This is one of the most comprehensive and handy reference texts for political science student. Invaluable for any undergraduate or someone interested in gaining an increased understanding of political science. Highly readable and comprehensive and will serve as atrusted companion for any serious student or practioner of political science. I bought my copy in 1999 and I still hold on to it and turn to it when the occasional idea I hear from "experts" on tv fails to ring a bell.

Good, if not great
Very good explanation of terms. However, I wish more historical documents and events had been included. Worth your money, but not perfect.