'Meg Russell's book contributes considerably to research on bicameralism and second chambers'Political Studies, Vol 49, No 4'Russell's book is a thorough investigation of the systems compared and a welcome addition to the field. It is written in a clear and readable style, and I found it illuminating and enlightening. It will be of immediate interest to all those interested in the evolution of the UK Government and Constitution, but its lasting contribution is likely to be as a major resource in comparative constitutional and governmental analysis.'European Public Law, Vol. 7, Issue 2, 2001'Russell's approach provides a considerable breadth of information in one source that would be hard to find elsewhere, as well as a challenging argument.'Jonathan Bradbury, Regional & Federal Studies, Vol.10, No.3, Autumn 2000'This work provides a well-organized, informed and clear discussion of the many factors involved.
It also provides a coherent argument. It makes a case for sharply reducing the size of the House of Lords, changing the terms of office, removing ministerial presence in the House, and improving resources.'Jonathan Bradbury, Regional & Federal Studies, Vol.10, No.3, Autumn 2000'Russell has written an analytical, practical, balanced book on a subject in which her depth of knowledge and understanding is apparent, as is her ability to convey that knowledge and understanding in an authoritative but highly readable manner. In doing so, Meg Russell has written a book that deserves to be, and I am sure will be, of great use to all those interested in legislatures, reform of legislatures and comparative government generally.'Nicholas D.J.
Baldwin, Journal of Legislative Studies, Vol.6, No.3, Autumn 2000'Meg Russell has written an authoritative book that deserves to stand out from what has become an increasingly crowded field.'Nicholas D.J. Baldwin, Journal of Legislative Studies, Vol.6, No.3, Autumn 2000'Meg Russell's book Reforming the House of Lords: Lessons from Overseas is nothing if not timely, not least of all because it is intended to take the British debate forward by providing a comparative international context.
'Nicholas D.J. Baldwin, Journal of Legislative Studies, Vol.6, No.3, Autumn 2000'the book is a unique piece of research that deserves a far wider readership than just the policy community in the United Kindom.Russell moves the scholarship on to a higher plane.'Alan J Ward Australian Journal of Political Science 36 (1) March 2001'solid and workmanlike book . a useful handbook for everyone engaged in deciding what might come in 'Stage Two' of the UK reforms.
' George Wedd, Contemp. Rev. Jan 01.'she does a useful job in describing the jobs an Upper House might do, and the membership it might need to do them.' George Wedd, Contemp. Rev. Jan 01.'contributes to the increasing national debate .
The book will be of help to both parliamentarians and students of politics in the debate about the HoL.' CHOICE Oct. 2000. Vol.38, No.2.'a detailed study of the composition and work of second chambers in seven different countries.'Labour Research March 2000.