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Setting the People Free
The Story of Democracy
John Dunn
‘Setting the People Free is much more than a history of democratic ideas… It is among the most original and thought-provoking books on politics to have been published in England for many years, written in a spare, incisive English style which at its best is worthy of Hobbes.’ Jonathan Sumption, Spectator
‘A masterly performance… John Dunn describes how government by the people began and what is has become. He blends history and ideas, bringing alive contemporary arguments for and against democracy, particularly in the American and French revolutions... Next time you hear the word democracy, reach for this book. If you want to think harder about democracy’s shortcomings and challenges, it is an excellent place to start.’ Economist
‘A signal, beautifully written book… It is also a joy to read. The truth can entertain as well as make us free.’ Roy Hattersley, The Times
‘A marvellously rich book… John Dunn’s writing is exhilarating, gripping and full of mordant phrases… His ambition is heroic and his achievement magni.cent.’ David Marquand, New Statesman
‘Dunn writes a crisp, classically perfect prose, fast and close-packed, with a lot of history and a lot of theory on board… An eloquent and educative account of democracy.’ A. C. Grayling, Literary Review
About the author
John Dunn is Professor of Political Theory at King’s College, Cambridge. He is the author of a number of titles, among them The Cunning of Unreason and Western Political Theory in the Face of the Future, and a fellow of the British Academy.
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Paperback
Published February 2006
256 pages
ISBN: 978 1 84354 213 1
RRP: £9.99