Author Description

University Press returns with another short and captivating book - a brief history of democracy. Democracy is an unperfected means to an admirable end. The English word "democracy" is descended from the ancient Greek words for "people" (demos) and "power" (kratos). The Athenians established this "people power" democracy in their city-state in 507 BC, and, even though theirs was a democracy that denied women and slaves the right to vote, the Athenians provided a model of government for the world to copy, refine, and enhance for the next 2,500 years. Democracy today comes in many forms, faces many challenges, and endures many criticisms. Even Winston Churchill, the great Defender of Democracy, once quipped that "Democracy is the worst form of government - except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." Yet, democracy continues to hold out the attractive ideal of a more free, fair, inclusive, and just society for billions of people around the world. This short book provides an abbreviated account of the dazzling and devastating events, forces, triumphs, and setbacks that have shaped democracy for millennia - a version that you can read in about an hour.