Robert's Rules of Order [Paperback]

Henry M. Robert (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0688053068 | ISBN-13: 978-0688053062 | Publication Date: June 1971 | Edition: Revised

Originally published as a slim document in 1896, General Henry M. Robert's classic guide to smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings has sold close to five million copies in nine editions. The only book containing the completely developed Robert's Rules of Order subject matter, this latest edition will continue the book's reputation as the gold standard of meeting procedure for parliamentarians and novice club presidents and members alike. Thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the past decade's technological advances and usage, this tenth edition contains new information on how to conduct meetings over the Internet, on phone and video conference calls, and with members in absentia. The best book from which to learn all about running and taking an effective part in meetings, General Robert's gift of order is as indispensable now as it was a century ago.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A powerful brand name and an American classic." -- New York Times Book Review, 5/20/07 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

Simplified and updated version of the classic manual of parliamentary procedure; a necessary resource for churches and organizations. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co; Revised edition (June 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688053068
• ISBN-13: 978-0688053062
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (120 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,357,379 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Education & Reference > Etiquette > Rules of Order

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally comprehensive, July 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (9th Edition) (Hardcover)

I first came into contact with this book during the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school. I was going to be participating in something called Student Congress in the fall, and although I had never heard of it before, all of my teachers and teamates told me to get a copy of Robert's Rules. Not knowing of any of the "watered down" versions that existed, I simply purchased the official copy. Having cut my teeth on that copy (dutifully reading the entire book that summer) I have little sympathy for people who shy away from it because it's too complicated :-) But honestly, this book has become a source of pride to me. Although I have been criticized for perhaps too zealously insisting on adhering to the rules in the book, I am also accepted as a Parliamentary expert and some have remarked I know more than the Parliamentarians who run our exercise (although I would be loathe to admit that, they are very intelligent people). Anyway, given a proper forum Robert's Rules of Order have been a very rewarding thing for me, as they have given me something to study and learn and be recognized at, and I intend on buying all future editions of the text to make sure I stay on top of any developments. Truly the best book of its kind!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only current and COMPLETE guide to parliamentary procedure, September 26, 2002

By 

Ronald J. Legere (Las Vegas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised, 10th Edition) (Paperback)

Do not be put off by the size of this book. It is large because it is complete. As you can see by the table of contents, everything is covered-- all the motions , how to write bylaws, boards and committees, conventions, forming new organizations, etc. Nevertheless, it is easy to read and you certainly do not need to read it cover to cover. Read the first 5 chapters (119 pages, ~ 1/5 of the book) straight through, then skim the rest so you know where to find the answers, and also look over the tables in the back. If you are in a big hurry, just read pages 21-78 (as recommended on the books web site: www.robertsrules.com)

You need this book.
You need to learn what is in this book to be an effective member of any organization where members have the right to vote. Do you know how to get your idea considered by your organization? Do you know how to make a change to an idea that someone else had? Did you change your mind about what happened at the last meeting and want to rescind it? Well, its all in this book.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Misunderstood, April 2, 2002

By 

Thos Davis (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised, 10th Edition) (Paperback)

Many people will recommed other parliamentary authorities whose primary benefit is that of being shorter. Other authorities I've read ("21st Century Robert's Rules" and "Riddick's Rules of Procedure") are shorter because they've left out substantial parts, or don't include useful examples.

Some other authorities, like Ray Keesey's "Modern Parliamentary Procedure" do not actually reflect current (or past) parliamentary practice, but attempt to redefine procedure based on the author's own bias. Robert's Rules are more obviously the result of centuries of practice, and use.

This book will not get you up and running overnight, but it is indispensable to anyone with a desire for a comprehensive understanding of parliamentary law. And even though it is a more massive work, part of the extra material is instructive on shortening your meetings by acting more efficiently without abridging anyone's rights.