Rating: 
Summary: Will the real Robert's Rules please stand up?
Review: Melendez's earlier review "The real Robert's...", in reference to the 10th edition (ISBN 0738203076 or 073820384X) of "Robert's Rules of Order" (RROO) by does well to clarify that not all books with RROO in the title are authorized continuations. By cross-referencing many reviews of different books having similar titles, it seems Amazon may be leaving customers like myself confused about which books are bona fide editions of RROO, versus those that are restatements of early (now uncopyrighted) editions.In particular, "The Modern Edition" (ISBN 0840771843, 1557488843, 0425116905) by Dr. Patnode is a smallish yet well done, enhanced rewrite of early RROO. However, it is not the most recent edition or an authorized realization of RROO, and for this reason, may not be suitable for institutions requiring RROO as the official basis of its parliamentary proceedings. Since the official "newly revised" edition of 1970, authorized editions of RROO have maintained a "mirrored R" encircled by an "O": I now attempt to use this trademark to identify which editions are authoritative.
Rating: 
Summary: recognized as the current and official edition
Review: Question: Which edition of Robert's Rules is official? Aren't they all the same? Which one do professional parliamentarians refer to? Answer: The National Association of Parliamentarians, and the American Institute of Parliamentarians, only recognize one book as the current official parliamentary authority: Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised [1990 edition, Scott, Foresman] Everything else is old, or a variation. The bible of parliamentary law, it is this edition that your bylaws probably mentions, not the 1876 original text, like some publishers are selling. Be forewarned, it is literally a book of rules, and not easily absorbed. -- You may have to learn what's practical for your average meeting by a simpler beginners book. If you want simple, go elsewhere; if you want complete, this is it. No other book is ADDING things to Henry M. Robert's original classifications & rankings (it's 700+ pages!), only shortening & simplifying & rephrasing.
Rating:
Summary: An essential tool in the art of parliamentary procedure.
Review: Recently having begun to serve on a board, I've found Robert's manual--a mainstay of legislatures, clubs and other organizations around the world since 1893--to be invaluable. Its comprehensive coverage of motions, rules, procedures and all contingencies has served me well simply in understanding "what's going on"; it has also enabled me to become an active, not a passive, member. Knowledge is power, in this context or in any other. There is no question that members of your organization who have knowledge of the rules of the meeting have the power to control the meeting. If you do not want to get stepped on, this book is essential. There are several editions of this work. I advise buyers to get one that (a) has a durable binding, able to withstand the rigors of frequent use; (b) has a good introduction or supplementary guide by its editor, as Robert's original manual is, as other reviews here have noted, complex and intimidating to those who are new to it.
Rating:
Summary: Simply delightful
Review: Robert's Rules of Order is a charming little volume that will temporarily satiate the obsessions of control freaks. If you've ever been involved in an organization and have a keen sense of annoyance at inefficiency and improper democratic process, Robert's Rules of Order is for you. If you have a very systematic, logical mind and like learning new patterns to help bring order to a chaotic world, Robert's Rules of Order is for you. If you are bossy and want to impose "The Right Way" on your organization, buy a copy of Robert's Rules of Order and wave it over their heads. The book is well-organized, attractive, and easy to read. You might expect that reading a book of rules would be boring, but it actually is quite interesting, because it is easy to see how the intricacies of correct parliamentary procedure can be applied and manipulated.
Rating:
Summary: Simply delightful
Review: Robert's Rules of Order is a charming little volume that will temporarily satiate the obsessions of control freaks. If you've ever been involved in an organization and have a keen sense of annoyance at inefficiency and improper democratic process, Robert's Rules of Order is for you. If you have a very systematic, logical mind and like learning new patterns to help bring order to a chaotic world, Robert's Rules of Order is for you. If you are bossy and want to impose "The Right Way" on your organization, buy a copy of Robert's Rules of Order and wave it over their heads. The book is well-organized, attractive, and easy to read. You might expect that reading a book of rules would be boring, but it actually is quite interesting, because it is easy to see how the intricacies of correct parliamentary procedure can be applied and manipulated.
Rating: 
Summary: Robert's Rules of Order Meet an unruly fraternity.
Review: That's correct! Time after time I had attended my weekly fraternity meetings only to leave realizing that nothing had been accomplished. Their were too many opinions, and too little time to hear everyone without order. This led me to one of my professors who suggested I purchase a copy of the the nearly-ancient "Robert's Rules of Order". Upon completion I began to instill the timeless routines outlined in this classic. And before I knew it we were operating like the British Parliament. Surprisingly, this text was a very easy read and it's outline for conduct was convincingly effective. I must recommend to all of you who find yourselves immersed in chaos.
Rating: 
Summary: This edition is a disappointment
Review: The physical quality of this edition is greatly disappointing. Compared to the 1970 (or even 1981) edition, it hardly qualifies as a real book. The pages of this "pseudo-book" are no longer bound in signatures, but merely glued to an inflexible spine. It cannot possibly be made to open flat, and so is useless as an open-book reference. Instead of being printed on opaque coated paper as before, it is now printed on paper that allows the print on the reverse and even following page to show through distractingly. The page margins are so narrow that the text next to the spine can be read only with difficulty. Forget this edition and buy a second-hand 1970 Scott-Foresman edition. That $5.95 quality book will still be serving your organization faithfully long after the spine has cracked and the pages have fallen out of this $37.50 Perseus "pseudo-book".
Rating:
Summary: Edward de Levie
Review: This book is not for the faint at heart. This would be the ultimate guide to Robet's Rules, however, it is not designed for use by the casual user. Don't expect to use it as a quick reference for the average person that has general knowledge and limited experience. The physical properties of the book make it difficult to handle as it is small and quite thick and the print is quite small. In all likelyhood, the binding will give out quickly with moderate use. While all the information is there you would have to be an expert to utilize it properly. Save this for a true Parliamentarian or a student studying Parliamentary procedure .
Rating:
Summary: STILL NUMBER ONE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
Review: This book was originally published over a century ago and to this day is still the number one publication on parliamentary procedure. For anyone in the world of business this is a must have book. We NEED rules and order, for without them we have absolute lack of organization and complete and utter chaos. Over the years, I have been a director and chairperson on a great number of boards from charitable organizations and government boards to corporate boards; "Robert's Rules of Order" has always prevailed. Regardless of the type of organization, if you are in a position to sit as a member on a Board of Directors, this book is one you definitely should read. Do not assume the chairperson has all the answers and required expertise. In many cases that expertise is clearly and sadly lacking. Keep a copy of "Robert's Rules of Order" tucked safely in your briefcase, you may need it sooner than you think!
Rating:
Summary: STILL NUMBER ONE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
Review: This book was originally published over a century ago and to this day is still the number one publication on parliamentary procedure. For anyone in the world of business this is a must have book. We NEED rules and order, for without them we have absolute lack of organization and complete and utter chaos. Over the years, I have been a director and chairperson on a great number of boards from charitable organizations and government boards to corporate boards; "Robert's Rules of Order" has always prevailed. Regardless of the type of organization, if you are in a position to sit as a member on a Board of Directors, this book is one you definitely should read. Do not assume the chairperson has all the answers and required expertise. In many cases that expertise is clearly and sadly lacking. Keep a copy of "Robert's Rules of Order" tucked safely in your briefcase, you may need it sooner than you think!
| 
