In Defence of Politics (Bloomsbury Revelations) - Softcover

Bernard Crick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1780936923 ISBN 13: 9781780936925

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2013

Synopsis

Faced with political scandal, broken promises and the seeming impotence of governments in the face of economic globalization, cynicism about politics is rampant in the established democracies of the west. Meanwhile, the 'Arab Spring' of 2011 saw people out on the streets willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of the very political freedoms others took for granted.

Against this backdrop, Bernard Crick's classic In Defence of Politics remains as important and inspiring a read as ever. First published in 1962 and regularly revised up until its final edition in 2002, this book argues passionately that politics - however messy and complex it might be and for all its seeming compromises and bitter divisions - is a vital freedom that we take for granted at our peril. It is also a freedom that must be constantly defended against the pressures of narrow ideologies, small-minded national self-interest and the short term populism of career politicians.

About this title

Product Description:

Like new

Review:

'He has written an exceedingly clever and disturbing book on important issues. All that he writes is alive and much of what he says, even when it seems perversely provocative, turns out to be penetrating and serious.' -- Isaiah Berlin, 20th Century Blurb from reviewer

'One of the most thoughtful products of the political dialogues of the London School of Economics since the great days of Tawney, Dalton, Wallas and Hobhouse. Its sobriety, liberal spirit and toughness of mind are rare qualities in any political work.' --Edward Shils, Guardian Blurb from reviewer

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1780936923
• ISBN 13: 9781780936925
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264