Public Policy Theories, Models, and Concepts: An Anthology

Rating:
Summary: The best anthology on public policy theories available
Review: This is a very good anthology on public policy classics. You will find almost all important texts here--and in sufficient length to be useful and comprehendable. The introductory chapters by McCool are simply brilliant. Rewarding reading even if you are quite familiar with the field. Rarely is public policy theory explained in such a friendly, insightful and down-to-earth manner.

The tasteful selection of texts and the crystal-clear comments by McCool is what makes this anthology stand out. Choose this one instead of Theodoulou & Cahn "Public Policy: The Essential Readings", which is inferior in every way.

This fine anthology should however be supplemented with Paul Sabatier, ed. (1999) "Theories of the Policy Process" to be fully up-to-date. Get them both!

While it might seem strange to give five stars to an anthology, I think it is motivated in this case, given the quality of the selection and the well-writen editorial comments.