Precious guide
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I am teaching Politics Year 1 (Diploma of the London School of Economics and Political Science) via the External programme of the University of Londion, at DEI Bachelors and Master Degrees, Thessaloniki, Greece.
The book answers very precisely to all the main theories of Political Science for the programme, and is one of the best guides I have seen till now.
True, it looks quite difficult at first sight to a student, but it is an excellent basis for teachers, and for performing students.
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One very offended reader
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I read this book and found it a slow but effective text though daughting at first! The book does suffer from being too ponderous but it does really address the full range, i found the passages on marxism espcially useful during my second year polictical theory lectures. However when i went to re-order a copy after i lost mine half way though my course i saw the reviews on this site and i think some of these poeple over estimate themselves and under estimate the Dunleavy and O'Leary (even though i must say i almost choked when i first read it).
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A useful general political science text
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I too bought this for GV101 @ the LSE and found it a heavy, cumbersome work - the authors simply tried to get too much into too few pages. It is certainly not an accessible introductory text to political science (which is how it is marketed). However, over subsequent years I found it very useful for putting political scientist's and their thought in context, and for use in political science essays. For example, if you're studying Olson's theory of collective action this book provides you with a brief explanation of his theory (the logic of collective action), the 'movement' it formed part of (neo-pluralism) and the paradigm it was opposing (pluralism). Furthermore, I also found that Theories of the State was very quote worthy - great for essays! In short then, too heavy for an introductory text - but very useful as a general Political Science reference work in later years.
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Inaccessible and draining
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I am a politics student at degree level, both my colleagues and myself found this textbook to be draining and inaccessible. The important sections of text are often surrounded by irrelevant narrative and the book suffers from a quality that should afflict no textbook, it is over complex and academically esoteric in its vocabulary and construction. I would not recommend this book for anyone but the most keen intellect.
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A must for all aspiring Politics Student
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An extremely useful text book outlining the different theories of the state in a form suitable for both University and A-level students. Topics include Pluralism, Liberalism, Marxism, the New Right and other contemporary angles on Political life. The history of each theory is explained including past and present theorists who have contributed in the evolution of political opinion. Extremely handy Also for JOurnalism students (Or anyone) who wish to enhance their understanding of the political sphere and the reasons behind the resent momentum gathered by pressure groups and both neo-national socialism and feminism.
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