This book presents a strong defense for representative democracy. It argues that not only is representative democracy the best option available, but that much of the criticisms of the the legislative branch is based on inaccurate perceptions.
The public has become less trustful of government. Polls show about 75% of the public during the 1960s trusted government. In 1973, 42% of those polled had "a great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress, In mid-2001, 26% stated that had a "great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Congress.
The public distaste for politics along with the mean spiritedness of campaigns discourages many capable people from even entering politics. Further, many who do select public service as a career are finding the burdens of service are causing them to leave public careers prematurely. The loss of dedicated public servants weakens the legislative process as well as reduces the public image of legislatures.
While the public may be disillusioned with representative democracy, and while politicians may similarly have reservations, the alternatives are no better. The authors argue that the option of Executive dominance can lead to concentrated and abused power. The alternative of direct democracy may be cumbersomely unpractical and may be more readily manipulated by powerful interests.
Negative campaign advertising is cited as a major influence in the declining appreciation and respect for politics and for government. Political scientist Richard Fenno has found that negative campaigning is further affecting government, as candidates are elected by claiming their opposition to the institutions to which they seek eleciton and, upon election, their negativity hampers their abilities to serve in office.
The authors note the very nature of legislative politics is bound to create negative public perceptions. Most legislation that is passed reflects compromises and the mere act of compromising often leads proponents and opponents both feeling disappointed. Legislative work thus usually wins few friends, yet it produces important results.
Despite its complexities and nuances, representative democracy does work. The legislative branch does a good job of bridging the gap between the public and policy makers. The alternative of administrative control concentrates power too much and the alternative of direct participation is too cumbersome. Representative democracy may not be perfect, as this book discusses, but it is the best system there is. Readers wishing to explore these discussions will greatly appreciate this book.

I, too, can't believe this is out of print and only available as a used book. It should be in paperback, and is far superior to most thriller/mystery books available today. Mr. Burdett writes with an insider's knowledge of Hong Kong prior to its transfer from Great Britain to the PRC, as well as knowledge of the sinister world of both the People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Triads. His protagonist, Chief Inspector Chan, is believable and human. Chan makes mistakes and suffers from self-doubt like everyone else. His uncanny ability to solve crimes comes more from good police work and determination than anything super human, despite the bureaucratic roadblocks and red tape he meets along the way...as well as the political dirtywork that thwarts his investigation of one of the grizzliest murders you'll find in literature today. Royal Hong Kong Police Chief Inspector "Charlie" Chan isn't James Bond...Thank God! No gimmicks. No sci-fi gizmoes. Just plain old police work. He's half Chinese-half Irish and 100% real (warts and all)! I hope Mr. Burdett writes another Chief Inspector Chan novel soon. I hated to see this one end.

John Burdett's thriller about a Red Army conspiracy in the last days of Hong Kong's independance shows both his knowlege of the region and his storytelling skills to great advantage. This is a fascinating, suspsenseful tale that is easily the equal of any of Martin Cruz Smith's Russian Renko mysteries.

Here's hoping for more Inspector Chan novels. I can't wait to see how he fares under Communist control of his city!

Brilliant, thrilling - it should be made into a movie. The Irish-Chinese detective is one of the most fascinating heroes I've come across in a long time. I want more from this writer, more about the character. Every character in the book was intriguing. People need to know about this book. It's a masterpiece and one learns so much about Hong Kong, the take-over, the people who live there. Didn't want it to end, and I really sympathized with some of the people who had to turn over "their" country.

This book informs, terrorifies, and insires the reader. I found myself fascinated and repelled by its graphic depiction of the murders, but more so by its message: be very afraid of the new China. It inspired me to seek more information about the Red Chinese army, its tactics, both in business and in culture, and the new Hong Kong. I certainly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thriller, but also to those who want to read further on this area.

Set in the moments before the Chinese takeover of HK (the last 6M seconds) this novel uses a rather gruesome murder investigation as background noise to explore the transition, its tensions and the power shakeup. While the investigation is a fine writing in itself (along with the babe who falls in love with the main good guy) I found the book fascinating as it explores the challenge of managing China (1 billion people) and the westernized HK. Most memorable, is the passage where the author asks rhetorically what kind of governing willpower does it take to provide civil administration for this huge mass of people. The book is certainly thought provoking and arguments are so well crafted that you start to understand some of the reasons behing the [not so humane] decisions of the Chinese leadership. Also delightful is the exposition of the oh, so British, approach to politics of the outgoing administration. A good book.

I very much agree with the "Editorial reviews" above. This mystery has genuine surprises and a good sense of humor. But the most striking quality is the setting, and how seriously Burdett takes the protagonist's Buddhism. This is not one of those books that takes a run-of-the-mill story and plops it in an exotic location--Burdett really makes the most of Bangkok, essentially making it a character in the story.

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because of the relatively weak ending.

I would have to number this book among my favorite mystery reads for the year. It was cleverly written,had interesting insites into the Thai culture, and an unusual plot line. I will be looking out for this author for his next release. Would not be surprised if it made the New York Times best sellers list soon.

If this was not a "first novel" I might say it is a three, maybe four star mystery/thriller. But as first efforts go, this is amazing. The writing is tight, the plot as complex as more experienced masters of the craft, and the setting is refreshing, if a bit over written at times. The characters are familiar, yet drawn with an astute observer's eye. If there is a major flaw it is the dialogue which at times just doesn't ring quit true, though it does work in moving the story along.

It is always exciting to discover a new writer, and I look forward to Burdett's next effort, and will no doubt add him to my list of "must read" if he lives up to the promise of this first effort.

This, folks, is the reference book for my A Level Students.

A Level is the main exam route taking in the UK for entry into Universities.

The continual rapid development of computer technology means it is a nightmare trying to keep up with terminology and acronymns. This glossary has the defintions the examiners will accept. Very useful when different text books all have their own definitons.

The 4star rating rather than 5 is a reflection of the date of issue of this glossary. There must be another one on its way soon, we sure need it.