Great Political Thinkers: From Plato to the Present

I actually took the class of the same title at UC Santa Barbara from Dr. Ebenstein himself. Back then, he was a giant in the political science field (still is) and we stood in awe of him. At the same time, he was the only professor I had there who would invite us to a brown-bag lunch each week to discuss course work and his personal experience in Europe before and during WWII. I cherish the text as a reminder of my unbelievable good fortune to have known this great scholar as well as a kind and gentle man. He and this book continue to inspire me.


Great Analysis as Well as Anthology   September 25, 2005
Steven C. Cross (Minneapolis, Minnesota USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have the 3rd Edition from college and recently returned to it to read some parts that were omitted then. The book is great because it is not only a comprehensive anthology of important political thought but it also has well-written introductions that explain what you are about to read. Since some of the writers are not the easiest to read in the original, the introduction plays an important part in understanding what you are reading. And don't worry about the price -- you are buying a lifetime reference book.


great book poli sci lovers   October 6, 2006
alc (in the arm pit of america.. ohio)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I first read this book (not completely) just out of high school, for the purpose of a little education prior to declaration of a Political Science major. It was easy to read and concepts were easily understood. This book gives enough information to answer basic questions of Political Science as well as creating deeper more involved questions to be answered elsewhere. This is a great background book. Personally, I love the ancient philosphers and this book does a good job of using their best works.