The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (Oxford Paperback Reference) [Paperback]

Iain McLean (Editor), Alistair McMillan (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199205167 | ISBN-13: 978-0199205165 | Publication Date: January 18, 2010 | Edition: 3

Written by a team of leading political scientists, the Concise Dictionary of Politics contains more than 1,700 entries, including new materials on topics such as NGOs, butterfly ballots, decentralization, ethnic cleansing, and direct action. Covering political thinkers, institutions, and concepts, the dictionary has an international perspective. Appendices list the political leaders of a range of countries and international institutions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Iain McLean is official fellow in Politics at Nuffield College, Oxford, and Professor of Politics at the University of Oxford. He has held visiting appointments at Stanford and Yale. His books include Public Choice (1987) and Rational Choice and British Politics (2001). His varied research interests cover the history of social choice, the properties of electoral systems, the political economy of the Enlightenment, and UK public policy.
Alistair McMillan is a Research Officer working at Nuffield College, Oxford. He has carried out research on British and Indian politics, focusing on elections and voting behaviour.

Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 edition (January 18, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199205167
• ISBN-13: 978-0199205165
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #542,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two thumbs up., July 9, 2003

By 

Ahmed Fazly (Winona, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (Oxford Paperback Reference) (Paperback)

This is one of the most comprehensive and handy reference texts for political science student. Invaluable for any undergraduate or someone interested in gaining an increased understanding of political science. Highly readable and comprehensive and will serve as atrusted companion for any serious student or practioner of political science. I bought my copy in 1999 and I still hold on to it and turn to it when the occasional idea I hear from "experts" on tv fails to ring a bell.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Don't Want To Study Politics Without It, June 29, 2003

By 

Dana Garrett - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (Oxford Paperback Reference) (Paperback)

Concision is a necessity in any dictionary, but thorough essentiality is a delightful plus. It is that extra which abounds in this work. The definitions provide readers with enough essentials to provide them with a working knowledge of the subject matter and to spur further reading.

No work can be entirely devoid of ideology, but I saw nothing particularly "leftist" about this work. That specter seems to haunt one reviewer below. However, it is more accurate to say that this dictionary sees no need to repeat the "official" views of neo-liberal democracies about its perceived enemies. It is as "objective" as a political book can be and as accurate as we expect of a dictionary.

This is an excellent tool for those who need explanations of political matters, which includes anyone who studies politics seriously. I highly recommend it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, if not great, October 17, 2002

By 

Ezra Klein - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (Oxford Paperback Reference) (Paperback)

Very good explanation of terms. However, I wish more historical documents and events had been included. Worth your money, but not perfect.