'This volume edited by Tabachnick and Koivukoski (both, Nippising Univ., Canada) is the third in a series of books that apply the lessons of the great tradition of political philosophy to contemporary politics; in that regard, the series serves as a fine illustration of the continuing relevance of political philosophy to the understanding of contemporary politics. Such a series is both valuable and praiseworthy, as is this particular volume. Contributors discuss Aristotle, Thucydides, the Federalist, and Cicero in an effort to understand the phenomena of oligarchy. Filled with high-quality, provocative essays, this volume is highly recommended for those who have a theoretical interest in political philosophy in general and oligarchy in particular, but it is also (and especially) recommended to thoughtful readers who have a serious concern with the preservation of democracy. Waller Newell's "Oligarchy and Oikonomia," Jeffrey Sikkenga's "Overcoming Oligarchy," Peter Simpson's "A Corruption of Oligarchs," and Toivo Koivukoski's "On Oligarchy: An Ontological Account" are particular standouts, but the entire collection is excellent. This thought-provoking collection of essays is enthusiastically recommended for specialists and general readers alike. Summing Up: Highly recommended.

All readership levels.'.