Public Policy Theories, Models, and Concepts: An Anthology

This book is an excellent tool for policy students who want to understand and critically discuss the field of policy studies. Aside from the excerpts from the major authors in policy, the introduction and discussion sections of each chapter tie together how each model/framework/theory fits into the overall policy studies field. I used this book to help me prepare for the political science/policy studies section of my qualifying exams, and I was able to do quite well. While this book is not the end-all-be-all for policy, it leads you through the major movements and major authors in policy while providing a good foundation that will allow you to be able to synthesize and evaluate policy models.

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.