Introductions to the subject

1212 British politics today

D. Kavanagh and B. Jones 7th edn, Manchester University Press, 2003, 256pp. £8.99. ISBN 9780719065095.

Popular student textbook which provides an accessible introduction to changes in British politics since 1945. It includes coverage of evolving trends in organization, attitudes and political behaviour. Chapters cover key topics such as the changing social and political context of British life, the growth of the media, reform of the House of Commons and House of Lords, political devolution and relations with the European Union.

1213 Comparative government and politics: an introduction

R. Hague and M. Harrop 7th edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2007, 355pp. £23.99. ISBN 9781403913159.

The latest edition of this well established text offers a sound introduction to all aspects of comparative politics. Coverage is international in scope and includes discussion of the role of the state in the 21st-century globalized era. Studentfriendly features include case studies, charts, tables and debate boxes highlighting key questions.

1214 Comparative politics: approaches and issues

H.J. Wiarda Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2006, 304pp. £19.99. ISBN 9780742530362.

An excellent introduction to the subject area which is especially useful for student use. It begins with an introduction to the field of comparative politics and proceeds to discussion of recent and future areas of research. A ‘hot topics’ section highlights recent areas of concern, including civil society, environmental politics and political development.

1215 Doing research in political science: an introduction to comparative methods and statistics

P. Pennings, H. Keman and J. Kleinnijenhuis 2nd edn, Sage Publications, 2006, 352pp. £24.99. ISBN 9781412903776.

Useful text for students beginning research in political science. Offers a clear guide to the main theories and methodologies. Includes coverage of both qualitative and quantitative political analysis. Topics covered include basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods and advanced multivarate methods. Each chapter contains practice exercises, summary questions and lists of further readings.

1216 Government in America: people, politics and policy

G. Edwards 7th edn, Longman, 2006. £42.99. ISBN 9790321434296.

www.longmanparticipate.com

The latest edition of this well regarded student textbook aims to provide a solid introduction to the US political system and public policy. Chapters cover the constitution, the main political institutions, parties and patterns of political behaviour. Also covered are public policy outputs and the interaction between state and local government.