Political Theory in Modern Germany: An Introduction

'This is as much a work on German political institutions as it is a book on theory ... Thornhill situates each thinker's theory within the debate over the direction of political institutions in Germany.' New Political Science

‘This immensely learned and informative study examines in detail the work of four of the leading political theorists in Germany in the 20th Century: Max Weber, Carl Schmitt, Jürgen Habermas, and Niklas Luhmann, along with a briefer treatment of Franz Neumann and Otto Kirchheimer. Thornhill's aim is not only to explain ideas, but also to “illuminate the interrelations between political theory and political event.” He provides a penetrating account of the main themes of each of his chosen authors and situates them carefully in terms of political developments within Germany. The objective might seem to invite a superficial survey, but there is nothing superficial in Thornhill's treatment. He seems to have read everything written by and about his subjects and to know the history of political and economic developments in Germany very thoroughly. The result is an authoritative, stimulating, and quite challenging account of an influential body of work. It is accompanied by a very extensive bibliography, devoted mostly to primary sources. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates and above.'

Donald J. Maletz, in: Choice July/August 2000.

Selected for the Choice Outstanding Academic Books list for 2000