Description

Book Synopsis
Argues that democracy is not synonymous with good government. This book explores the labyrinthine reality behind the basic concept of democracy, demonstrating how the political system that people in the West generally view as straightforward and obvious is, in fact, deeply unclear and, in many cases, dysfunctional.

Trade Review
“Of the many excellent philosophers of democracy working today, John Dunn of Cambridge University is the one best attuned to its paradoxes.” —Christopher Caldwell, Financial Times
-- Christopher Caldwell * Fiancial Times *
“Intellectually bracing . . . Dunn—who has been for decades one of the most articulate critics in the face of democratic triumphalism—now seeks to clear a path out of the maze of our ill-founded aspirations and confusions. In Breaking Democracy’s Spell, he has concentrated on how, despite all appearances, we have never really known what democratic rule is in the first place.”—Thomas Meaney, Nation -- Thomas Meaney * Nation *

Breaking Democracys Spell

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    A Hardback by John Dunn

    £51.58

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 10 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Yale University Press
      Published 7/29/2014 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN-13 9780300179910
      978-0300179910
      ISBN-10 030017991X
      Also in:
      Democracy Politics and government Social and political philosophy

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Argues that democracy is not synonymous with good government. This book explores the labyrinthine reality behind the basic concept of democracy, demonstrating how the political system that people in the West generally view as straightforward and obvious is, in fact, deeply unclear and, in many cases, dysfunctional.

      Trade Review
      “Of the many excellent philosophers of democracy working today, John Dunn of Cambridge University is the one best attuned to its paradoxes.” —Christopher Caldwell, Financial Times
      -- Christopher Caldwell * Fiancial Times *
      “Intellectually bracing . . . Dunn—who has been for decades one of the most articulate critics in the face of democratic triumphalism—now seeks to clear a path out of the maze of our ill-founded aspirations and confusions. In Breaking Democracy’s Spell, he has concentrated on how, despite all appearances, we have never really known what democratic rule is in the first place.”—Thomas Meaney, Nation -- Thomas Meaney * Nation *

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