Since its first appearance fifteen years ago, Why Parties? has become essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the nature of American political parties. In the interim, the party system has undergone some radical changes. In this landmark book, now rewritten for the new millennium, John H. Aldrich goes beyond the clamor of arguments over whether American political parties are in resurgence or decline and undertakes a wholesale reexamination of the foundations of the American party system. Surveying critical episodes in the development of American political parties—from their formation in the 1790s to the Civil War—Aldrich shows how they serve to combat three fundamental problems of democracy: how to regulate the number of people seeking public office, how to mobilize voters, and how to achieve and maintain the majorities needed to accomplish goals once in office. Aldrich brings this innovative account up to the present by looking at the profound changes in the character of political parties since World War II, especially in light of ongoing contemporary transformations, including the rise of the Republican Party in the South, and what those changes accomplish, such as the Obama Health Care plan. Finally, Why Parties? A Second Look offers a fuller consideration of party systems in general, especially the two-party system in the United States, and explains why this system is necessary for effective democracy.

"Fifteen years ago, when I was only seventy-five years old, I wrote my autobiography prematurely. . . ". So begins the second autobiography of Mortimer Adler, the Chairman of the Board of Editors of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Among other things, he discusses the enormously controversial second edition of Great Books of the Western World and his involvement with the Aspen Institute.

Dave has the usual adolescent problems, mitigated by the consoling company of his cat. Recounted with humor and a realistic teenage voice, this Newbery Award winner unfolds amid the excitement of 1960s New York City. "Superb." — The New York Times.

Read a balanced, well-researched treatment of the end times, interpreted from the Christian East by faithful Orthodox saints, martyrs, and Spirit-filled Fathers of the Faith. Historic Christian teaching on the rapture, the millennium, the state of Israel, and the role of the Church in the last days.

Picoult's eeriest and most engrossing work yet delves into a virtually unknown chapter of American history--Vermont's eugenics project of the 1920s and 30s--to provide a compelling study of the things that come back to haunt those in the present, both literally and figuratively.

The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?