Description: A historical-conceptual perspective on the concept of "the political"
Review Quotes: At a time when confidence in virtually all traditional modes of governance is rapidly eroding, the historical roots of our current dilemma have to be exposed before any prospect can exist of viable solutions. In this bold and ambitious survey of Western political theory and practice since the seventeenth century, which draws its lessons from European and Latin American history, as well as baroque and modern art, Palti provides a ruthlessly incisive analysis of the sources of our unfolding crisis. An Archaeology of the Political exemplifies the power of conceptual history at its best not only to illuminate the past, but also perhaps light the way to a better future.--Martin E. Jay, University of California, Berkeley