Why Study Politics?
27 Oct 03

Compared with Politics, few subjects share similar advantages. First, it is always new - it changes constantly from hour to hour and, once interest is aroused, it’s exciting, dynamic and never boring. Second, it is about the most important things in our lives: whether we control our own destinies or have them controlled by someone else; whether we have free public services or have to pay for them; whether we allow the rich and powerful to do as they please. Third, some knowledge of the subject is necessary for everyone. Those who disengage from politics give a worrying hostage to fortune in that when moderate people bale out there are always extremists waiting to take their places. So it matters, it’s crucial to our individual and collective wellbeing and, for the student, once drawn in, it’s fascinating, making every day something to be relished for the new information and insights it can provide.

Having said all this, offering a book on British politics might seem a daunting prospect and in a sense it is. However, Politics UK was something of a trailblazer in the field in that it aimed to be comprehensive. It provides a complete guide to most A-level and university syllabuses on British politics; it offers a series of features - boxes, tables, diagrams, cartoons and case studies - aimed to make learning easier and more fun; and it aims to introduce readers to the whole discipline of the subject by introducing it in the first chapter and then via its key concepts throughout the book. In addition distinguished journalists and academics provide shorter more personal pieces on topics related to the text but not especially addressed within it. The experienced teachers and authors who contribute are well known for their clear and lively writing styles as well as their knowledge of their topics. Finally the accompanying volume of teacher’s notes and the wealth of extras on the book’s website offer coverage and support unmatched by any other book. For all these reasons Politics UK has been the bestselling and best regarded study of British politics over the last decade to students and teachers of British politics.

The fifth edition of this winning title is publishing in January 2003. For more information click here.

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