The History of Government from the Earliest Times: Ancient Monarchies and Empires.

Author/creator Finer, S. E., 1915- Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoNew York : Oxford University Press, Incorporated
Description628 p. ill 23.400 x 015.600 cm.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from eBooks on EBSCOhost
Subjects

Summary Annotation No one has hitherto had the breadth of imagination and intellectual boldness to describe and analyse government throughout recorded history and throughout the world. This unique study of government is the culmination of the work of the late S. E. Finer, one of the leading political scientistsof the twentieth century. Ranging over 5,000 years, from the Sumerian city state to the modern European nation state, five themes emerge: state-building, military formats, belief systems, social stratification, and timespan. The three volumes examine both representative and exceptional polities, and focus on politicalelites of different types. Ancient Monarchies and Empires opens with Finer's masterly Conceptual Prologue, setting out the entire scope and structure of The History. Books One and Two then consider early examples of the predominantly `palace' type of polity, notably in respect of the Kingdoms of Egypt and the Empires ofAssyria, Persia, Han China, and Rome; interspersed with consideration of the `exceptional' Jewish Kingdoms and the Greek and Roman Republics. Professor Finer's cogent descriptive analysis offers both an invaluable reference resource and an exhilarating journey across time and space.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 97193237
ISBN9780198206644
ISBN019820664X (Trade Cloth) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780198206644
Stock number00020142