The Art and Craft of Political Theory

"Theory is essential, in navigating politics no less than elsewhere. If you want to know how to read, interpret, assess and craft political theory, this is the book for you. Leslie Thiele is a splendid guide to the world of political theory." -John S. Dryzek, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, University of Canberra

"I can think of no one better qualified to write the story of political theory than Leslie Paul Thiele. A long-time practitioner of the art and craft himself, Thiele brings erudition, rigor, clarity and fondness to this comprehensive study of the core and periphery of the field of political theory." -Simone Chambers, University of California, Irvine

"To many 'political theory' sounds like an oxymoron; equated with the brute struggle for power, politics seems far removed from theory or reflection. As is evident from his earlier book Thinking Politics, Thiele has never subscribed to this view. Steeped in an older legacy, he has always celebrated politics as a thoughtful civic praxis, linked with prudence, foresight and moral responsibility. His new book The Art and Craft of Political Theory elaborates on the many implications of such praxis. May it serve as an antidote and bulwark against the thoughtless 'will to power' devotees in our time." -Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame

'Theory is essential, in navigating politics no less than elsewhere. If you want to know how to read, interpret, assess and craft political theory, this is the book for you. Leslie Thiele is a splendid guide to the world of political theory.'

-John S. Dryzek, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, University of Canberra

'I can think of no one better qualified to write the story of political theory than Leslie Paul Thiele. A long time practitioner of the art and craft himself, Thiele brings erudition, rigor, clarity, and fondness to this comprehensive study of the core and periphery of the field of political theory.'

-Simone Chambers, University of California, Irvine

'To many "political theory" sounds like an oxymoron; equated with the brute struggle for power, politics seems far removed from theory or reflection. As is evident from his earlier book Thinking Politics, Thiele has never subscribed to this view. Steeped in an older legacy, he has always celebrated politics as a thoughtful civic praxis, linked with prudence, foresight and moral responsibility. His new book The Art and Craft of Political Theory elaborates on the many implications of such praxis. May it serve as an antidote and bulwark against the thoughtless "will to power" devotees in our time.'

-Fred Dallmayr, University of Notre Dame