What do you think?
Rate this book
The DNA of Democracy
Discerning the future of democracy begins with understanding its past.
In this historical and telling guide, Richard C. Lyons documents the rise and fall of political power across time and place. Chronicling a wide range of governments and rulers, he outlines past democracies, tyrants, and kings while providing a comprehensive look at their successes and failures. Warfare and corruption mark democracy as a historical work in progress, but never a hopeless one.
Just as DNA is woven into every aspect of the human body, countries, city-states, and rulers are the DNA that have shaped democracy today. From Israel’s Ten Commandments and Greece’s city-states to Italy’s Twelve Tables and the crowns of the British Isles, Lyons traces democracy from its historical roots to modern day, constructing a blueprint for successful government and leadership in The DNA of Democracy.
In this historical and telling guide, Richard C. Lyons documents the rise and fall of political power across time and place. Chronicling a wide range of governments and rulers, he outlines past democracies, tyrants, and kings while providing a comprehensive look at their successes and failures. Warfare and corruption mark democracy as a historical work in progress, but never a hopeless one.
Just as DNA is woven into every aspect of the human body, countries, city-states, and rulers are the DNA that have shaped democracy today. From Israel’s Ten Commandments and Greece’s city-states to Italy’s Twelve Tables and the crowns of the British Isles, Lyons traces democracy from its historical roots to modern day, constructing a blueprint for successful government and leadership in The DNA of Democracy.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
385 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2019
82 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 10, 2019
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Interesting popular history about the origins of democracy, going back to the Greeks, and through the British heritage. I believe it leaves out some credible theories, but overall, interesting, and informative.
Interesting popular history about the origins of democracy, going back to the Greeks, and through the British heritage. I believe it leaves out some credible theories, but overall, interesting, and informative.
November 17, 2020
With a line as "discerning the future of democracy begins with understanding its past" in the synopsis I had expected a little more than I was given with this book. It wasn't all bad, of course but I still felt somewhat disappointed.
Most of the content was fine, in my opinion. I probably would've thought it more than fine if there was a little more time spend on certain chapters but based on content alone it would've been a three star read for me. But seeing as this is a audiobook review I also need to talk about that part and that's where this book kind of lost me.
First of all, this is my first time listening and reviewing an audiobook from NetGalley. The app created for it isn't very great. This is of course all on NetGalley itself and not this book but I still feel like I have to throw that warning out there.
The narrators, Eileen Stevens and Jay Lusteck, weren't the best, in my opinion. I had a hard time getting into their ways of narrating this audiobook. Eileen Stevens was okay. Not the best I've ever listened to but I could deal with it. Jay Lusteck was less than okay. But I also think that this has something to do with him suddenly starting to talk out of the blue, not even less than a second when the other narrator stopped. It really confused me. This is of course more a critisism to the book itself or the way the audiobook was edited than Jay Lusteck as a narrator but still I just thought it was pretty weird.
And one last thing, I also feel like if I would've read this book in any other form than in audio format I would've liked it more. My dislike really was about the audiobook. It just didn't work for me.
Most of the content was fine, in my opinion. I probably would've thought it more than fine if there was a little more time spend on certain chapters but based on content alone it would've been a three star read for me. But seeing as this is a audiobook review I also need to talk about that part and that's where this book kind of lost me.
First of all, this is my first time listening and reviewing an audiobook from NetGalley. The app created for it isn't very great. This is of course all on NetGalley itself and not this book but I still feel like I have to throw that warning out there.
The narrators, Eileen Stevens and Jay Lusteck, weren't the best, in my opinion. I had a hard time getting into their ways of narrating this audiobook. Eileen Stevens was okay. Not the best I've ever listened to but I could deal with it. Jay Lusteck was less than okay. But I also think that this has something to do with him suddenly starting to talk out of the blue, not even less than a second when the other narrator stopped. It really confused me. This is of course more a critisism to the book itself or the way the audiobook was edited than Jay Lusteck as a narrator but still I just thought it was pretty weird.
And one last thing, I also feel like if I would've read this book in any other form than in audio format I would've liked it more. My dislike really was about the audiobook. It just didn't work for me.
July 23, 2019
Now and again, it mixes things up to place an academic book in the pile To Be Read. I especially enjoy political science and so this book was a very interesting read. The author, Richard C. Lyons, writes extremely well and it is very clear that he knows his subject matter. I had read somewhere that he is a poet but could not find copies of his poetry books on Amazon nor did I see them listed on Goodreads so will have to do some more research.
A common thread woven into most political science discussions today includes a strong focus on diversity and it is an integral part of the conversation in this book. It's one that is very important. Reading this book made me feel very aware of global political history and it is written so eloquently that I found each page fascinating. A magnificent read.
Thank you to Richard C. Lyons, Lylea Creative Resources, Inc. and Goodreads Giveaway. I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book.
A common thread woven into most political science discussions today includes a strong focus on diversity and it is an integral part of the conversation in this book. It's one that is very important. Reading this book made me feel very aware of global political history and it is written so eloquently that I found each page fascinating. A magnificent read.
Thank you to Richard C. Lyons, Lylea Creative Resources, Inc. and Goodreads Giveaway. I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book.
August 8, 2019
Richard C. Lyons takes on an ambitious project in his history book, The DNA of Democracy. It begins with Egyptian Pharaohs and ends in the early 20th century. And at just over 375 pages, it’s impossible for the author to provide extensive detail on any one time period covered.
Lyons compares and contrasts times of tyranny with times of democracy, throughout the ages. He discusses not just Egypt and Israel, but Greece and Rome. Then he moves forward in time to Medieval Western Europe and the British Isles, primarily England. This serves as a jumping off point for the colonization of America and the Revolutionary War.
He also covers some aspects of Native American life and their democratic power structures. (Although his use of the antiquated term Amerindian is a head scratcher.) Next up he addresses the colonists and new Americans’ tyrannical decisions against the indigenous peoples. Then Lyons moves forward to a discussion of slavery and the Civil War. At the end of his book, he briefly discusses women’s suffrage and the fight for the right to vote.
Lyons covers a tremendous amount of historical ground, focusing more on retelling of facts and events, without adding the deeper back stories of the people involved. Truthfully, if he had added more detail, the book would have come unmanageable. Still, a different editorial strategy might also have given it more heart.
Quotes I appreciated
“The power of liberty does not reside in real estate and capitals, it resides in each citizen’s soul.” p. 233
“All things are possible when individuals, families, faith organizations, association, enterprises and town rule themselves. Nothing is possible when a societal prison is imposed by the tyrannical rule of one, through a few who enslave the multitudes—other than the gross feeding of the one and the few.” p. 234
“The Native American ethos of local and individual independence, which is foundational to the American ideal and fundamental to the DNA of our democracy, was being lost by those who made it a gift to our Constitution.” p. 269-270
“A compromise with tyranny was how the Civil War began. Lincoln did not compromise the end of the Civil War—he would fight it out with tyranny to the last, even if it was within his own body politic. He would not compromise on the promise of equality: the most fundamental gene in the DNA of democracy.” p. 350
My conclusions
This wasn’t the book for me, but another type of history reader might love it. I wanted more detail on some things, especially the human aspects, and less on others. Plus, I just don’t enjoy blow by blow accounts of multiple battles in multiple wars. I never will. I’m not that kind of history buff.
I appreciated Lyons’ connections between a wide variety of historical threads. He wove them into a structure that brought democracy to life. Unfortunately, his writing style and tone didn’t thrill me. I prefer a more journalistic, story-focused approach. Instead, this felt like a very long and wide-ranging lecture.
Lyons offers his interpretations and opinions as well. Whether I agree with them or not, sadly they didn’t elucidate his case for me.
One the whole, this seemed more like a vanity project than a readable historical analysis. But that’s just me. It may be a strong entry in the history of democracy for you.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to Lylea Publishers, JKS Literary Publicity, and most of all, the author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
Lyons compares and contrasts times of tyranny with times of democracy, throughout the ages. He discusses not just Egypt and Israel, but Greece and Rome. Then he moves forward in time to Medieval Western Europe and the British Isles, primarily England. This serves as a jumping off point for the colonization of America and the Revolutionary War.
He also covers some aspects of Native American life and their democratic power structures. (Although his use of the antiquated term Amerindian is a head scratcher.) Next up he addresses the colonists and new Americans’ tyrannical decisions against the indigenous peoples. Then Lyons moves forward to a discussion of slavery and the Civil War. At the end of his book, he briefly discusses women’s suffrage and the fight for the right to vote.
Lyons covers a tremendous amount of historical ground, focusing more on retelling of facts and events, without adding the deeper back stories of the people involved. Truthfully, if he had added more detail, the book would have come unmanageable. Still, a different editorial strategy might also have given it more heart.
Quotes I appreciated
“The power of liberty does not reside in real estate and capitals, it resides in each citizen’s soul.” p. 233
“All things are possible when individuals, families, faith organizations, association, enterprises and town rule themselves. Nothing is possible when a societal prison is imposed by the tyrannical rule of one, through a few who enslave the multitudes—other than the gross feeding of the one and the few.” p. 234
“The Native American ethos of local and individual independence, which is foundational to the American ideal and fundamental to the DNA of our democracy, was being lost by those who made it a gift to our Constitution.” p. 269-270
“A compromise with tyranny was how the Civil War began. Lincoln did not compromise the end of the Civil War—he would fight it out with tyranny to the last, even if it was within his own body politic. He would not compromise on the promise of equality: the most fundamental gene in the DNA of democracy.” p. 350
My conclusions
This wasn’t the book for me, but another type of history reader might love it. I wanted more detail on some things, especially the human aspects, and less on others. Plus, I just don’t enjoy blow by blow accounts of multiple battles in multiple wars. I never will. I’m not that kind of history buff.
I appreciated Lyons’ connections between a wide variety of historical threads. He wove them into a structure that brought democracy to life. Unfortunately, his writing style and tone didn’t thrill me. I prefer a more journalistic, story-focused approach. Instead, this felt like a very long and wide-ranging lecture.
Lyons offers his interpretations and opinions as well. Whether I agree with them or not, sadly they didn’t elucidate his case for me.
One the whole, this seemed more like a vanity project than a readable historical analysis. But that’s just me. It may be a strong entry in the history of democracy for you.
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to Lylea Publishers, JKS Literary Publicity, and most of all, the author. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.
June 2, 2019
This book was very promising on the basis that a point would be made and argued for. I guess that task was completed, but it was done so poorly. The only point made is that democracy = good, anything else = bad. Other than that the first part of the book is a brief look at ancient and medieval western history, and then more than half of the book is a drawn out history of the United States. You will get a whole chapter dedicated to telling you about some stories in the Bible, and some other stories about how Protestant Christianity is the only way to go. There is no imagination or new ideas presented in this book. If you are looking for a nice recap of history through biased eyes, then this is the book for you.
The only thing I liked about this book is that I learned a couple names from ancient Greece that I had not been exposed to yet, so I got to do some more research. I would suggest that Richard Lyons took some time to define a point that he wants to make, and then argue for it with constructive research and compelling examples. This book felt just like a high school paper that went on too long giving a recap of the semester while pretending to make a point. It's not written poorly as far as grammar goes, but it doesn't fulfill any criteria that you would expect of it.
However, I would like to thank Lylea Creative and Goodreads for this opportunity to read a book through the giveaway program on this site. It is always a great joy to receive a book in the mail.
The only thing I liked about this book is that I learned a couple names from ancient Greece that I had not been exposed to yet, so I got to do some more research. I would suggest that Richard Lyons took some time to define a point that he wants to make, and then argue for it with constructive research and compelling examples. This book felt just like a high school paper that went on too long giving a recap of the semester while pretending to make a point. It's not written poorly as far as grammar goes, but it doesn't fulfill any criteria that you would expect of it.
However, I would like to thank Lylea Creative and Goodreads for this opportunity to read a book through the giveaway program on this site. It is always a great joy to receive a book in the mail.
July 25, 2019
This book on the history of democracy was ok. It often reads like a text book though. The ancient history in it was dry as dust, but once it got to the American History it seemed to pick up, though at times was a bit tedious.
The book ended toward the end of the 1800s, and though I thought at times dry, it was good enough that I would like to read the second book.
The book ended toward the end of the 1800s, and though I thought at times dry, it was good enough that I would like to read the second book.
October 26, 2022
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” -Abraham Lincoln (part of his inauguration speech.)
This book features this speech as another way for people to learn and understand democracy and why it is so important. I will be honest. I’m not very political and this book clearly teaches you where democracy first started, just as it teaches you about tyranny, and how easy an ideal can turn corrupted, to suit a person’s needs over that of the betterment of society. It may take a minute to read, but very much worth it. I feel it should be required reading for anyone that goes into the field of politics, and people who just want to learn.
This book features this speech as another way for people to learn and understand democracy and why it is so important. I will be honest. I’m not very political and this book clearly teaches you where democracy first started, just as it teaches you about tyranny, and how easy an ideal can turn corrupted, to suit a person’s needs over that of the betterment of society. It may take a minute to read, but very much worth it. I feel it should be required reading for anyone that goes into the field of politics, and people who just want to learn.
January 11, 2021
2.5 stars
This book markets itself as a guide to democracy, a handbook to help you recognise what is a democracy and what isn't. It didn't hit the mark...
There were some interestings references to times gone by and their relationship with democracy (Greece, the British Isles, etc.) but they weren't developed much in favor of talking of American History in great detail (greeeeaaaat deeeeetaaaaaail).
Here are some points that merited the low stars:
1. It's highly biased in favor of democracy. Almost everything is, to be fair, but I was expecting a little more objective facts and less opinions.
2. It's a book written by an American to Americans in which America is the greatest and only model of all that it's good. Democracy, family, religion, all are better in America. When talking about the indigenous people and slavery his stance was: it was bad, it was just some people who weren't true to what America is and believes in, we actually learned a lot about democracy from the native Americans.
3. For this author there are only 2 government systems: Democracy or Tyranny. He says that "the few" or "the one" can't serve the interests of "the many" but there is no argument about it. It's just presented as a fact. Which is weird because I'd say the author is a Christian (from the some of other very objective passages *cue eye roll*) and God is the exact example of "the One" rulling the many having their best interests at heart. But who am I to say that it's "either democracy or tyranny" is a too simplistic view of the situation?
4. He claims that since the Kings of Israel "demanded to be recognised" as anointed by God, they weren't a democracy and, thus, not following God's will. But the 10 commandments were God's constitution with which He created a democracy. But the American Constitution is better. It just makes so much sense... not.
5. The weird summarys at the end of the chapters that didn't work at all in the audio version.
All in all, a disappointement that made roll my eyes too many times to count. Could have been interesting if it focused in some different points that were just given as details. Probably better in the written format.
I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book markets itself as a guide to democracy, a handbook to help you recognise what is a democracy and what isn't. It didn't hit the mark...
There were some interestings references to times gone by and their relationship with democracy (Greece, the British Isles, etc.) but they weren't developed much in favor of talking of American History in great detail (greeeeaaaat deeeeetaaaaaail).
Here are some points that merited the low stars:
1. It's highly biased in favor of democracy. Almost everything is, to be fair, but I was expecting a little more objective facts and less opinions.
2. It's a book written by an American to Americans in which America is the greatest and only model of all that it's good. Democracy, family, religion, all are better in America. When talking about the indigenous people and slavery his stance was: it was bad, it was just some people who weren't true to what America is and believes in, we actually learned a lot about democracy from the native Americans.
3. For this author there are only 2 government systems: Democracy or Tyranny. He says that "the few" or "the one" can't serve the interests of "the many" but there is no argument about it. It's just presented as a fact. Which is weird because I'd say the author is a Christian (from the some of other very objective passages *cue eye roll*) and God is the exact example of "the One" rulling the many having their best interests at heart. But who am I to say that it's "either democracy or tyranny" is a too simplistic view of the situation?
4. He claims that since the Kings of Israel "demanded to be recognised" as anointed by God, they weren't a democracy and, thus, not following God's will. But the 10 commandments were God's constitution with which He created a democracy. But the American Constitution is better. It just makes so much sense... not.
5. The weird summarys at the end of the chapters that didn't work at all in the audio version.
All in all, a disappointement that made roll my eyes too many times to count. Could have been interesting if it focused in some different points that were just given as details. Probably better in the written format.
I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2020
Richard C. Lyons' The DNA of Democracy is an engaging discussion of the history of democracy. A large section of the book is devoted to American democracy and some of its failings like slavery and the treatment of Native Americans. Another large percentage of the book concerns the development of British democracy. The reader will also experience the familiar roots of democracy in Greece and Rome. Lyons' also tries to fit the Old Testament in the mix with less success.
The discussion of democracy and tyranny presents an interesting comparison. One may believe that there is a vast separation between the two types of governments, but often they switch slowly and other times quickly. Political philosopher, Jean Jaques Rousseau, is celebrated as the Father of Modern Democracy. He is also known as the Father of Modern Tyranny by the same writings. Many things do separate the two forms of government. Art, universities, (freedom of) religion, and the press thrive in democracies and stagnate under tyranny. Capitalism and open markets also thrive in democratic or free societies and are controlled or eliminated under tyranny.
Lyon's presents and discusses twelve masterpieces and four amendments to the US Constitution. Old world codes are represented by the Ten Commandments, the Constitutions of Athens and Rome, and The Twelve Tablets. Codifying the laws and the foundations of civilizations ensured that they could not easily be changed. Three amendments to the US Constitution required a civil war before they were passed. The 19th Amendment essentially doubled the number of eligible voters and took nearly one hundred and fifty years to allow women to participate in our democracy.
The DNA of Democracy resembles living DNA. It evolves. It adapts. At times it mutates into something that resembles democracy but is actually a cancer attacking freedom. Democracy is an ideal that man is working to achieve. It is not always easy, and there are failures. It is, however, the history of mankind.
January 31, 2021
Roots of Democracy
Audiobook Review:
The title of this book should really be “The DNA of American Democracy.” After the initial discussion of historical democracy starting in ancient Greece and hand-chosen other countries, the focus is on democracy in the United States of America. I did find the author's exploration of the historical roots of democratic ideals and societies with some form of democracy to be fascinating, even though I would have liked a little more detail about some of them. Since the book's title did not specify the US, I would have loved to have seen an exploration of the roots of democracy in other modern countries. However, we shouldn't judge a book by what it isn't or what we would like it to be. For what it is, one author’s look at the history of democracy, foreign and mostly domestic, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook as it got me thinking more about what democracy is and what it should be. I found it a particularly poignant listen as I did so during the politically tumultuous first month of 2021.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Audiobook Review:
The title of this book should really be “The DNA of American Democracy.” After the initial discussion of historical democracy starting in ancient Greece and hand-chosen other countries, the focus is on democracy in the United States of America. I did find the author's exploration of the historical roots of democratic ideals and societies with some form of democracy to be fascinating, even though I would have liked a little more detail about some of them. Since the book's title did not specify the US, I would have loved to have seen an exploration of the roots of democracy in other modern countries. However, we shouldn't judge a book by what it isn't or what we would like it to be. For what it is, one author’s look at the history of democracy, foreign and mostly domestic, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook as it got me thinking more about what democracy is and what it should be. I found it a particularly poignant listen as I did so during the politically tumultuous first month of 2021.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
June 9, 2019
History repeats itself again and again. It's time to wake the masses! Let's start a revolution!
I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway! A lot of interesting history starting with tyranny and the beginnings of democracy in Israel, Greece and Italy in the Classical era, to The British Isles in the Medieval through Restoration eras, and then on to America to fight battle after bloody battle in the name of freedom. This book sparked lots of discussion and debate in my household. An interesting and comprehensive look at the history and makings of our democracy in America.
I won this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway! A lot of interesting history starting with tyranny and the beginnings of democracy in Israel, Greece and Italy in the Classical era, to The British Isles in the Medieval through Restoration eras, and then on to America to fight battle after bloody battle in the name of freedom. This book sparked lots of discussion and debate in my household. An interesting and comprehensive look at the history and makings of our democracy in America.
August 24, 2024
Two different ends of the spectrum are laid out for the reader. Democracy vs tyranny are contrasted in detail. It is a historical look at tyranny through the ages and how democracy came to be a reality for some of the people in Europe and Asia. It was fully codified by the formation of the United States constitution. Excellent historical look at how the American system of government is truly unique and created to give freedom and protection from tyrannical forces.
May 14, 2019
If you're looking for a comprehensive and intriguing book that traces the history of democracy back to its origins, look no further than "The DNA of Democracy." In the first installment of his new series, Richard C. Lyons eloquently weaves together fascinating vignettes to chronicle how societies and cultures around the world have shaped democracy over centuries. A truly interesting read!
May 14, 2019
A very interesting read.
June 24, 2019
An very good read if you are interested in history of democracy.
October 8, 2024
wonderful read
December 21, 2020
Big Picture
The author covers so much territory he necessarily uses big broad brush strokes. The outline of history and the principles adopted by freedom loving people are the heart of this work. This is a nice companion to William Bennett's book America The Last Best Hope.
The author covers so much territory he necessarily uses big broad brush strokes. The outline of history and the principles adopted by freedom loving people are the heart of this work. This is a nice companion to William Bennett's book America The Last Best Hope.
August 11, 2020
Democracy - The Beautiful Lotus Flower
The DNA of Democracy (Volume Book 1) by Richard Lyons is a masterful presentation that highlights the important milestones of governmental rule beginning with Egypt, the Israelite nation, the Greeks, the Romans, the British Isles and eventually culminates at the suffragette movement in the United States of America.
It is definitely not a "dry" read in regards to the metamorphosis of democracy as currently experienced in America.
Highlights of the book include wonderful and powerful quotes that are cited by the author which include poets such as Byron and Keats. Another quote from the book that may entice the individual to delve in to the illuminating pages of the DNA of Democracy states, "Tyranny is the dark of a vast swap; democracy is the flower of the lotus, which through struggle, sits in beauty, in the light atop."
Also, the reader will most likely, compare the early days of democracy with what is being experienced today and the challenges facing a democratic government and its people. Of particular note was term limits related by the author under the leadership of Pericles (Athens). The rational for limitations on holding office was the denial of concentrated power by long-serving representatives.
The DNA of Democracy (Volume Book 1) by Richard Lyons is an intriguing, interesting and inspirational read as it highlights the important thinkers of each of the civilizations and their contribution to the democratic process.
The take away for the reader of this powerful book will probably be a fresh look at the metamorphosis of democracy through civilization. This is powerfully demonstrated through a fantastic portrayal of thoughts and ideas that will not only stimulate the mind, but motivate the spirit in regards to the pursuit of being thinking individuals and citizens.
The reader, most likely, will be reminded of the precious gift of democracy and embrace and nurture this as a premier way of government rule.
The DNA of Democracy (Volume Book 1) by Richard Lyons is a masterful presentation that highlights the important milestones of governmental rule beginning with Egypt, the Israelite nation, the Greeks, the Romans, the British Isles and eventually culminates at the suffragette movement in the United States of America.
It is definitely not a "dry" read in regards to the metamorphosis of democracy as currently experienced in America.
Highlights of the book include wonderful and powerful quotes that are cited by the author which include poets such as Byron and Keats. Another quote from the book that may entice the individual to delve in to the illuminating pages of the DNA of Democracy states, "Tyranny is the dark of a vast swap; democracy is the flower of the lotus, which through struggle, sits in beauty, in the light atop."
Also, the reader will most likely, compare the early days of democracy with what is being experienced today and the challenges facing a democratic government and its people. Of particular note was term limits related by the author under the leadership of Pericles (Athens). The rational for limitations on holding office was the denial of concentrated power by long-serving representatives.
The DNA of Democracy (Volume Book 1) by Richard Lyons is an intriguing, interesting and inspirational read as it highlights the important thinkers of each of the civilizations and their contribution to the democratic process.
The take away for the reader of this powerful book will probably be a fresh look at the metamorphosis of democracy through civilization. This is powerfully demonstrated through a fantastic portrayal of thoughts and ideas that will not only stimulate the mind, but motivate the spirit in regards to the pursuit of being thinking individuals and citizens.
The reader, most likely, will be reminded of the precious gift of democracy and embrace and nurture this as a premier way of government rule.
December 27, 2020
Not a pick up and read. This is more a very interesting history book. I took it chapter by chapter as I read other books. I did learn a lot and did enjoy parts of it. The writing was as I said "history", so just takes you back to where our country started and how we got where we are.
March 26, 2021
This is the first time I've ever rated a book a mere one-star and what a godawful work of rubbish this title is to be able to befall this honour. I have no idea what the field of expertise of the author is, but clearly none of the nouns in the title. Reader, if you thought you'd found a serious work of non-fiction discussing the origin, development and merits of one the most widespread polities on this planet, democracy, then this one is definitely not for you.
“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” is a quote from Winston Churchill and would serve perfectly as a foundation to justify the merits - but also issues - of the polity above its alternatives.
This was just obnoxious inane drivel.
“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” is a quote from Winston Churchill and would serve perfectly as a foundation to justify the merits - but also issues - of the polity above its alternatives.
This was just obnoxious inane drivel.
August 25, 2019
Fantastic walk through the history of Democracy
And outstanding read from ancient times to the modern day. The history and sacrifices made by people In The name of democracy are many and profound. From all walks of life social status, race, nationality and creed. This book lays out the foundation and the jagged journey to freedom for all. I feel it’s a book everyone should read and look forward to his next volume.
And outstanding read from ancient times to the modern day. The history and sacrifices made by people In The name of democracy are many and profound. From all walks of life social status, race, nationality and creed. This book lays out the foundation and the jagged journey to freedom for all. I feel it’s a book everyone should read and look forward to his next volume.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews