The New Science Of Politics: An Introduction

Thirty-five years ago few could have predicted that The New Science of Politics would be a bestseller by political theory standards. Compressed within the Draconian economy of the six Walgreen lectures is a complete theory of man, society, and history, presented at the most profound and intellectual level. Voegelin's work stands out in bold relief from much of what has passed under the name of political science in recent decades. The New Science is aptly titled, for Voegelin makes clear at the outset that a 'return to the specific content' of premodern political theory is out of the question. The subtitle of the book, An Introduction, clearly indicates that The New Science of Politics is an invitation to join the search for the recovery of our full humanity. Recognized as one of the most enlightening essays on European politics in half a century, it is a powerful and vivid book that encourages independent thinking. Voegelin, a distinguished interpreter of European thought for Americans, brings a remarkable breadth of knowledge and historical insight. The book is beautifully constructed, constantly offering startling illumination, and serves as a significant retheorization of our age.