Adventures in Democracy

The Turbulent World of People Power

By Erica Benner | Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

About the book

'Sparkling . . . a page-turner full of wit, original insight and unassuming erudition' Guardian

'Enjoyable vitality' The Times

'Highly stimulating . . . wonderfully readable . . . her analysis of democracy's key strengths and weaknesses is forensic' Literary Review

Democracy is a living, breathing thing and Erica Benner has spent a lifetime thinking about the role ordinary citizens play in keeping it alive: from her childhood in post-war Japan, where democracy was imposed on a defeated country, to working in post-communist Poland, with its sudden gaps of wealth and security. This book draws on her experiences and the deep history of self-ruling peoples – going back to ancient Greece, the French revolution and Renaissance Florence – to rethink some of the toughest questions that we face today.

What do democratic ideals of equality mean in a world obsessed with competition, wealth, and greatness? How can we hold the powerful to account? Can we find enough common ground to keep sharing democratic power in the future? Challenging well-worn myths of heroic triumph over tyranny, Benner reveals the inescapable vulnerabilities of people power, inviting us to consider why democracy is worth fighting for and the role each of us must play.

Editions of Adventures in Democracy

Hardcover
ISBN 9780241609750
Paperback
ISBN 9781802061444
EBook
ISBN 9781802061451
AudioStreaming
ISBN 9781802063448

Read an Excerpt

'Sparkling . . . a page-turner full of wit, original insight and unassuming erudition' Guardian

'Enjoyable vitality' The Times

'Highly stimulating . . . wonderfully readable . . . her analysis of democracy's key strengths and weaknesses is forensic' Literary Review

Democracy is a living, breathing thing and Erica Benner has spent a lifetime thinking about the role ordinary citizens play in keeping it alive: from her childhood in post-war Japan, where democracy was imposed on a defeated country, to working in post-communist Poland, with its sudden gaps of wealth and security. This book draws on her experiences and the deep history of self-ruling peoples – going back to ancient Greece, the French revolution and Renaissance Florence – to rethink some of the toughest questions that we face today.

What do democratic ideals of equality mean in a world obsessed with competition, wealth, and greatness? How can we hold the powerful to account? Can we find enough common ground to keep sharing democratic power in the future? Challenging well-worn myths of heroic triumph over tyranny, Benner reveals the inescapable vulnerabilities of people power, inviting us to consider why democracy is worth fighting for and the role each of us must play.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adventures in Democracy about?

'Sparkling . . . a page-turner full of wit, original insight and unassuming erudition' Guardian

'Enjoyable vitality' The Times

'Highly stimulating . . . wonderfully readable . . . her analysis of democracy's key strengths and weaknesses is forensic' Literary Review

Democracy is a living, breathing thing and Erica Benner has spent a lifetime thinking about the role ordinary citizens play in keeping it alive: from her childhood in post-war Japan, where democracy was imposed on a defeated country, to working in post-communist Poland, with its sudden gaps of wealth and security. This book draws on her experiences and the deep history of self-ruling peoples – going back to ancient Greece, the French revolution and Renaissance Florence – to rethink some of the toughest questions that we face today.

What do democratic ideals of equality mean in a world obsessed with competition, wealth, and greatness? How can we hold the powerful to account? Can we find enough common ground to keep sharing democratic power in the future? Challenging well-worn myths of heroic triumph over tyranny, Benner reveals the inescapable vulnerabilities of people power, inviting us to consider why democracy is worth fighting for and the role each of us must play.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Adventures in Democracy?

Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political structure and processes > Political structures / systems: democracy

Where can I read a sample of Adventures in Democracy?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241609750

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Adventures in Democracy?

Erica Benner

Who is the Publisher of the book Adventures in Democracy?

Penguin Books Ltd

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Adventures in Democracy is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780241609750) and paperback(ISBN 9781802061444) and ebook(ISBN 9781802061451) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781802063448)

Where can I buy Adventures in Democracy online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Adventures in Democracy from below

Where can I buy Adventures in Democracy?