The Routledge reader in politics and performance Book

This collection of essays tries to bridge the gap between political philosophy and political practice. I found the first and the last essays thrilling; Hannah Arendt traces the trajectory of the ideas of freedom, academics, and philosophy to show how the ideas have changed through time and how modern philosophy and politics have reached an intellectual detente, a pact of non-aggression with clearly delineated borders, where the ivory tower won't delve into practical politics and political practice won't wrestle with big questions. Arendt believes this barrier needs to be breached for the good of both practical politics and robust philosophy.