Democracy and Its Critics

by Robert A. Dahl

Book Overview

In this prize-winning book, one of the most prominent political theorists of our time makes a major statement about what democracy is and why it is important. Robert Dahl examines the most basic... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300049382
• ISBN13: 9780300049381
• Release Date: July 1991
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 397 Pages
• Weight: 1.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A very good book on democratic theory

This is an excelent book on political theory and also one of the best defenses of democracy as a political system I have ever read. Specially good it its chapter on "guardinship", contradicting the most common arguments in favor of different "tutors" of the people.

Fine update on themes introduced in Polyarchy

This is a highly readable summary of Dahl's earlier work. Non-academics will find his use of dialogue easily accessible. Perhaps it's greatest success is the way that it thoughtfully approaches the basic premises of democracy, foundational principles all too-often glossed over in democratic literature.

Dahl is great

Dahl created a bunch of dialogues that clearly illustrate specific problems with anarchism and elitism. Then, he discussed democracy and his hopes for the future. He's a fine writer and thinker who deserves more attention from non-academics.