130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿 

Happy Long Weekend! We're open all 3 days! 📚 Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

The Politics Book

Big Ideas Simply Explained
By DK
Series: DK Big Ideas
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
DK's bestselling series now fully revised and updated Is it right to depose an unjust ruler? Is democracy really the best form of government? And can war ever be justified? Explaining the key milestones in the field of politics and political thought in a clear and... Read More
Format: Hardback
$5000
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

DK's bestselling series now fully revised and updated

Is it right to depose an unjust ruler? Is democracy really the best form of government? And can war ever be justified?

Explaining the key milestones in the field of politics and political thought in a clear and simple way, The Politics Book answers these questions and more besides, and is the perfect introduction to the subject. Untangling knotty theories and shedding light on abstract concepts, entries unpack each complex idea with a combination of easy-to-follow explanations, innovative graphics, and intriguing quotes.

Discover everything from the origins of democracy to Machiavelli's cunning statecraft, and from Rousseau's "social contract" to Marxist communism, the dawn of populism, and identity politics. Explore the "big ideas" behind the numerous different political beliefs and methods of government used around the world and throughout history.

Fully revised and updated with eight brand-new pages of content, The Politics Book is a truly accessible and comprehensive route into a fascinating subject.

Series: DK Big Ideas

View all
  • The Economics Book
    DK's bestselling guide to the history of economics - fully revised and updated. What happens in a recession? How does money work? Why do we pay tax? Explaining the key milestones in the field of economics in a clear and simple way, The Economics Book answers these questions and more besides, and is the perfect introduction to the subject. Untangling...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • On Sale
    20% off
    The Science Book
    DK's bestselling guide to the “big ideas” of science - now fully revised and updated. Did the universe start with a Big Bang? Is light a wave, a particle - or both? Is a “Theory of Everything” possible? Explaining the key milestones in the field of science in a clear and simple way, The Science Book answers these questions and...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4000
    Usually:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The World War I Book
    The "War to End All Wars" - Episode by Episode Discover the key battles, tactics, technologies and turning points of the First World War - the epic conflict that was supposed to be "the war to end all wars". Combining authoritative, exciting text and bold explanatory graphics, The World War I Book explores the historical background to the war, its...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Biology Book
    An accessible guide to the most important discoveries and theories in the history of biology. What is life? Why do bees dance? How do animals know their mothers? Who discovered germs? Biology is the story of our quest to understand the living world and explain how its organisms work and interact—whether microbes, mushrooms, or mammals. In answering these and many...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The LGBTQ + History Book
    A bold, accessible, and truly global overview of LGBTQ+ history, from the ancient world to the present day. Discover the rich and complex history of LGBTQ+ people around the world—their struggles, triumphs, and cultural contributions. Exploring and explaining the most important ideas and events in LGBTQ+ history and culture, this book showcases the breadth of the LGBTQ+ experience. This diverse,...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Ecology Book
    DK's best-selling guide to the history of ecology - fully revised and updated. Get to grips with the key concepts that have shaped the way we think about the environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity, and our role in protecting the planet. Packed with short, pithy explanations of more than 90 of the key milestones and groundbreaking ideas within the field, The...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $5000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Mythology Book
    Big Ideas Simply Explained More than 80 classic myths retold and explained, from early creation beliefs to classical hero narratives and the recurring theme of the afterlife. The latest title in the bestselling Big Ideas series, The Mythology Book explores the compelling worlds and characters depicted in myths and legends. Delve into each myth and discover the meanings behind these...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Maths Book
    A vibrant exploration of the world's most famous and key mathematical ideas, movements, and people. What is an imaginary number? Can two parallel lines ever meet? How can maths help us predict the future? Charting the development of maths around the world from Babylon to Bletchley Park, this book explores big questions like these and explains how the answers help...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Sociology Book
    All the big ideas, simply explained - an innovative and accessible guide to sociology. Exploring more than 80 of the big ideas and key theories in the field of sociology in a clear and simple way, this is the perfect introduction to the study of how humans live and interact with each other. The Sociology Book offers a deep dive...
    By DK and Sarah Tomley and Mitchell Hobbs and Megan Todd and Marcus Weeks
    Hardback
    $4500
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Physics Book
    A vibrant mix of creative typography, graphics, and accessible text to explore the most famous and important ideas and people in physics. How do magnets generate electricity? What is antimatter? Is time travel possible? Discover the answers to these and over 90 other big questions that explore the most important laws, theories, and breakthrough moments in our understanding of physics—from...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Literature Book
    Big ideas, simply explained "Books, let's face it, are better than anything else." - Nick Hornby Turn the pages of The Literature Book to discover over 100 of the world's most enthralling reads, and the literary geniuses behind them. Storytelling is as old as humanity itself. Part of the Big Ideas Simply Explained series, The Literature Book introduces you to...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The History Book
    DK's best-selling guide to the "big ideas" of history - now fully revised and updated. Why did democracy emerge in ancient Greece? How did Spain conquer South and Central America? What caused the fall of the Berlin Wall? Explaining the key events in world history in a clear and simple way, The History Book answers these questions and more besides,...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241656846

Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 07 November 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: DK

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 202.0mm

Height: 241.0mm

Weight: 1163g

Pages: 360

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero DK Education & Reference Gift Finder Gifts for adults Gifts under $100 In Stock Books Non-Fiction Penguin Books Politics & Current Affairs Politics and current affairs gifts Series: DK Big Ideas

Also by DK

View all
  • Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia
    The first ever Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia profiles more than 160 fan-favourite characters. Want to dive into the grim darkness of the far future, but don't know where to start? Look no further! From the stalwart commanders of the Space Marines to the mysterious Phoenix Lords of the Aeldari, explore the greatest warriors and leaders of each warring faction. Featuring...
    By DK and Wade Pryce
    Hardback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • My Very First Bible Stories
    A beautifully illustrated collection of 14 favourite Bible stories, from Noah's Ark to the birth of Jesus. My Very First Bible Stories is perfect for parents and carers to share with young children beginning their journey of faith. Introducing a selection of favourite Bible stories with this meaningful book for toddlers. This illustrated board book contains 14 Bible stories that...
    By DK
    Board book
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $1799
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • A Little Course in Crochet
    Simply everything you need to know to learn something new. Ever wanted to learn how to crochet but don't know where to begin? Take the first step with A Little Course in Crochet, part of the popular series of learning guides from DK that explain everything and assume nothing. Learn at your own pace, in your own time, and in...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • My Very First Bible
    A perfect introduction to 25 of the most beloved Bible stories. This illustrated first Bible story book for children is a wonderful collection of 25 favourite Bible stories re-told for a young audience. Accounts from the Old Testament and parables from the New Testament are covered in a clear and accessible way. From Creation to Noah's Ark, each story is...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Titanic
    A picture-packed guide to the Titanic, from its incredible construction, catastrophic sinking, and lasting legacy. Travel back to the year 1912 and experience the tragic tale of the world's most famous and luxurious liner. This book tells the story of Titanic's fateful maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, to New York City. Learn what life was like for people on board...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • On Sale
    16% off
    My First Words: Let's Get Talking
    This busy board book with tabs gets little ones thinking, talking, and learning new words! Let's learn first words and start talking! Can you spot the fluffy teddy bear? Where is the fluttering butterfly? From toys and farm animals to shapes and things that go, babies and toddlers will love pointing to and naming the different objects. This is the...
    By DK
    Board book
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Explore
    Maps to pore over, on subjects you'd never expect, compiled with explanatory diagrams and text to form an exciting new style of reference. Maps can help you find your way around more than just places, and knowledge can be shared using more than just words. Inside these pages, you will discover maps of science, history, nature, and space. Find a...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • World History
    A truly global view of history covering over 350 of the world's most important milestones and key turning points. An essential gift for every history buff, this boldly illustrated book maps out the events that have shaped our world—from the dawn of human civilisation to the present day. A comprehensive and accessible guide to the history of human civilisation, World...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design
    Extensive design inspiration backed up with practical content, including step-by-step instructions on how to build garden structures and planting techniques. Do you long to create the garden of your dreams? Turn ideas into reality with this brand new edition of the classic design bible. Whatever the size of your garden space, and whether starting with a blank canvas or renewing...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $6800
    Elsewhere:
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Animals
    A next-generation animal encyclopedia bursting with breathtaking photography and packed with the topics kids love most. Experience the world's most incredible animals in one amazing book. Like the hugely successful Eyewitness series itself, Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Animals includes all the topics children most want to read about. The world's most amazing animals are here, from tiny ants to the mighty...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Ancient Greece
    A five-star guided tour of the ancient Greek civilisation. Embark upon a fascinating journey through ancient Greece - from its rise and fall to its lasting legacy throughout the Western world. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail - from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $6600
    Elsewhere:
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Super Simple Chemistry
    Packed with all the core curriculum topics, this book for kids aged 12 and over is ideal for home and school learning. A fantastic aid for coursework, homework, and test revision, this completely comprehensive guide to Key Stages 3 and 4, and the entire GCSE curriculum, makes chemistry crystal clear and will have you exam-ready in no time. Each topic...
    By DK
    Paperback
    $3200
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday

More from Politics & Current Affairs

View all
  • In the Room
    Signed Copy
    New Release
    Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    In the Room
    'Every Prime Minister needs someone who will challenge them - and that was you.' So said Jacinda Ardern to Andrew Campbell on his final day as her Chief Press Secretary. Now, for the first time, Campbell offers a revealing insider's account of one of New Zealand's most extraordinary political eras. Serving alongside Ardern for almost her entire time in office,...
    By Andrew Campbell
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • On Sale
    12% off
    Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    One Last Question, Prime Minister
    From Muldoon to Luxon, untold stories from the House of Parliament Barry Soper has spent close to five decades questioning New Zealand's prime ministers.From the imposing, larger-than-life characters of Rob Muldoon and David Lange, to the golden age of Helen Clark and John Key, and the post-Covid era of Jacinda Ardern and the 'Chrises', Soper's insight and nose for a...
    By Barry Soper
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • New Release
    Facing Up to Our Future
    New Zealand's traditional “she'll be right” optimism is no longer adequate to the challenges facing the country.  Facing Up to Our Future: Challenges and Choices for New Zealand brings together 21 of the country's leading thinkers to confront the long-term pressures shaping the nation's next decades. Edited by Emeritus Professor Peter Davis, the collection ranges widely, covering issues as diverse as...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Signed Copy
    On Sale
    13% off
    Uncomfortable Economics
    New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations. Not any longer. Why has our economic performance lagged behind countries we once outpaced? And what will it take to reverse the decline? In Uncomfortable Economics, David Schnauer shows that New Zealand’s underperformance is not inevitable. It is the result of choices — cultural and political — that can be...
    By David Schnauer
    Paperback
    $3300
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Regime Change
    From the two reporters who have covered him more closely than perhaps anyone else over the past decade comes this definitive portrait of Donald Trump in the White House and the first year of his second presidency. Based on hundreds of interviews and unprecedented reporting from deep within the administration’s most closely guarded rooms, Regime Change takes the reader into...
    By Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • New Release
    A Different Kind of Power
    #1 New Zealand bestseller #1 Amazon bestseller #2 Audible bestseller #3 New York Times bestseller #3 Sunday Times bestseller #4 Australian bestseller From the former prime minister of New Zealand, then the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second to give birth in office, comes a deeply personal memoir chronicling her extraordinary rise and offering inspiration to...
    By Jacinda Ardern
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • A Different Kind of Power
    Ockham Winner
    A Different Kind of Power
    What if we could redefine leadership? What if kindness came first? Jacinda Ardern grew up the daughter of a police officer in small-town New Zealand, but as the 40th Prime Minister of her country, she commanded global respect for her empathetic leadership that put people first. This is the remarkable story of how a Mormon girl plagued by self-doubt made...
    By Jacinda Ardern
    Hardback
    $4799
    Elsewhere:
    $5999
    (7)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • New Release
    Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Dirty Work
    Twelve years after they were exposed and discredited in the book Dirty Politics, some of the most cynical people in New Zealand politics are back. The epitome is Jordan Williams, with his abysmal attitudes to women, morality-free fundraising as a lobbyist for the tobacco industry and – worst and most destructive in New Zealand’s recent history – him and his...
    By Nicky Hager
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    (9)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Suicidal Empathy
    The bestselling author of The Parasitic Mind shows why empathy in politics leads to civilizational collapse. What happens when a society elevates victimhood to a virtue and decides that punishment is cruel? You get the disease Dr. Gad Saad calls suicidal empathy. And the West may be terminally infected. In his new book, Suicidal Empathy, Saad unleashes a blistering critique...
    By Gad Saad
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • On Sale
    23% off
    1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four
    In the drab and oppressive world of 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell introduces us to Winston Smith, a man haunted by the omnipresent surveillance and control exercised by the Party and its enigmatic leader, Big Brother. Winston works diligently at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to alter historical records to fit the ever-changing narrative dictated by the...
    By George Orwell
    Paperback
    $1000
    Usually:
    $1299
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • On Sale
    22% off
    New Release
    Go Hard or Go Home
    From the front bench to rock bottom: Go Hard or Go Home is Kiri Allan's fearless memoir of ambition, disruption and survival in NZ politics and beyond. Kiri Allan's six-year political career spanned some of the most challenging times in recent history. Events a government might encounter once in a generation stacked up: a terrorist attack, a volcanic eruption, destructive and deadly...
    By Kiritapu Allan
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday
  • The Day After: How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World
    From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shameless, Brian Tyler Cohen explores how Republicans have abused power, how Democrats have refused to exercise power when they held it, and how progressives should wield power if they are fortunate enough to win a free and fair election in a post-Trump world. The Day After: How to Wield Power in...
    By Brian Tyler Cohen
    Paperback
    $3099
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Tuesday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Politics & Current Affairs lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all