Reviews for Encyclopedia of American Public Policy

The average rating for Encyclopedia of American Public Policy based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-12-31 00:00:00 Debra Waldron What an ambitious book! The first thing that you should know about Eoin Carolan is the fact that he isn't a fan of the traditional "theory" of the separation of powers. You can actually feel his irritation and frustration. I really enjoyed his temperament and rigour with which he destroyed Montesquie´s image as the sacred father of our modern concept of rule of law. Unfortunately, my excitement didn't last long. After the fabulous first third of his book, I got bored. I had to switch into my speed-reading mode, scrolled through the pages and waited for the conclusion. Finally, after more than 100 pages, I had to come to the conclusion that Carolan didn't have any conclusion. Are you kidding me, Eoin?! I am not sure what that means. Have you created a new theory of separation of powers that isn't theory at all on purpose? Are you waiting for other scientists who will finish your work? Don't you care anymore? I am extremely confused but only mildly disappointed. I still admire you for your courage and the first third of your book. 3.75*

Review # 2 was written on 2010-12-26 00:00:00 Mary C Mellon This book is in essence about our need to disagree well, which is the mark of a healthy democratic society. Yet that is the thing we seem unable and unwilling to do, thus democracy today is "on trial." This book is a very humane and learned set of academic reflections and arguments about the public virtues and ideals citizens must share if we are going to make it as a democratic society, and names some of the ways the left and the right today seem committed to doing just the opposite. Some will attack the book due to Elshtain's conservative (classical liberal) intellectual tradition, but I think that's a pretty lame assessment of this fair and challenging book. There's plenty for every truth-seeking citizen, left or right, to agree, and hopefully, disagree, with.