Why does democracy, both as a word and an idea, linger so large in the political imagination in the modern world? Answering this question, this book charts its slow but insistent metamorphosis from its roots in Ancient Greece to its triumph in the years, since 1945.

About the Author

John Dunn is Professor of Political Theory at King's College, Cambridge. He is the author of a number of titles, among them The Cunning of Unreason and Western Political Theory in the Face of the Future, and a fellow of the British Academy.

Reviews

"'Rich and subtle... A masterly performance... Lucidly and provocatively written... Next time you hear the word democracy, reach for this book. If you want to think harder about democracy's shortcomings and challenges, it is an excellent place to start.' Economist 'A signal, beautifully written book... It is also a joy to read. The truth can entertain as well as make us free.' Roy Hattersley, The Times 'Exhilarating, gripping and full of mordant phrases... Magnificent.' David Marquand, New Statesman 'Remarkable.... written in a spare, incisive English style which at its best is worthy of Hobbes'. Jonathan Sumption, Spectator"