'Indispensable for understanding democracy today' Michael Schudson
A bold new history of democracy from the popular assemblies of Syria-Mesopotamia and the Indian subcontinent to present-day challenges around the world.
From its beginnings in Syria-Mesopotamia and the Indian subcontinent to its role in fomenting revolutionary fervour in France and America, democracy has subverted fixed ways of deciding who should enjoy power and privilege, and why. For democracy encourages people to do something radical: to come together as equals, to determine their own lives and futures.
In this vigorous, illuminating history, acclaimed political thinker John Keane traces its byzantine history, from the age of assembly democracy in Athens, to European-inspired electoral democracy and the birth of representative government, to our age of monitory democracy. He gives new reasons why democracy is a precious global ideal, and shows that as the world has come to be shaped by democracy, it has grown more worldly.
In today’s age of populist strongmen threatening democracy in India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US and elsewhere, we need its radical potential more than ever. Does democracy have a future, or will the demagogues and despots win? We are about to find out.
“Shortest-and best! John Keane knows more about the history of democracy globally than one can imagine ... [The book is] indispensable for understanding democracy today. Don’t miss it!”-Michael Schudson, professor of journalism and sociology, Columbia University
“This is the best, most readable book on the history of democracy”-Takashi Inoguchi, professor emeritus, University of Tokyo; eminent scholar professor and J. F. Oberlin professor (Tokyo); former assistant secretary general of the UN
“This is a remarkable book. It draws on research and scholarship while remaining accessible and engaging. Modest in size, incredibly ambitious in content.”-Matthew Flinders, professor of politics, University of Sheffield; vice president of the Political Studies Association of the United Kingdom
“The Shortest History of Democracy outlines key variants of democracy and the many attempts to justify this messy, imperfect way of governing ourselves. An urgent, important book for a troubled time”-Glyn Davis AC, emeritus professor of political science, University of Melbourne
“A concise and informative history of democracy . . . packs far-flung details into . . . a provocative and enlightening survey of democracy’s ever-shifting nature”-Publishers Weekly
'Indispensable for understanding democracy today' Michael Schudson
A bold new history of democracy from the popular assemblies of Syria-Mesopotamia and the Indian subcontinent to present-day challenges around the world.
From its beginnings in Syria-Mesopotamia and the Indian subcontinent to its role in fomenting revolutionary fervour in France and America, democracy has subverted fixed ways of deciding who should enjoy power and privilege, and why. For democracy encourages people to do something radical: to come together as equals, to determine their own lives and futures.
In this vigorous, illuminating history, acclaimed political thinker John Keane traces its byzantine history, from the age of assembly democracy in Athens, to European-inspired electoral democracy and the birth of representative government, to our age of monitory democracy. He gives new reasons why democracy is a precious global ideal, and shows that as the world has come to be shaped by democracy, it has grown more worldly.
In today’s age of populist strongmen threatening democracy in India, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US and elsewhere, we need its radical potential more than ever. Does democracy have a future, or will the demagogues and despots win? We are about to find out.
“Shortest-and best! John Keane knows more about the history of democracy globally than one can imagine ... [The book is] indispensable for understanding democracy today. Don’t miss it!”-Michael Schudson, professor of journalism and sociology, Columbia University
“This is the best, most readable book on the history of democracy”-Takashi Inoguchi, professor emeritus, University of Tokyo; eminent scholar professor and J. F. Oberlin professor (Tokyo); former assistant secretary general of the UN
“This is a remarkable book. It draws on research and scholarship while remaining accessible and engaging. Modest in size, incredibly ambitious in content.”-Matthew Flinders, professor of politics, University of Sheffield; vice president of the Political Studies Association of the United Kingdom
“The Shortest History of Democracy outlines key variants of democracy and the many attempts to justify this messy, imperfect way of governing ourselves. An urgent, important book for a troubled time”-Glyn Davis AC, emeritus professor of political science, University of Melbourne
“A concise and informative history of democracy . . . packs far-flung details into . . . a provocative and enlightening survey of democracy’s ever-shifting nature”-Publishers Weekly
Subscribe to get Email Updates!
Thanks for subscribing.
Your response has been recorded.
"We Believe In The Power of Books" Our mission is to make books accessible to everyone, and to cultivate a culture of reading and learning. We strive to provide a wide range of books, from classic literature, sci-fi and fantasy, to graphic novels, biographies and self-help books, so that everyone can find something to read.
Whether you’re looking for your next great read, a gift for someone special, or just browsing, Midland is here to make your book-buying experience easy and enjoyable.