Customer Reviews
A Sheffield Politics Student - By: Jr Murdoch, 16 Aug 2008 
I am currently studying politics & international relations at the University of Sheffield & have just completed the European Union module taught by Ian Bache.
The specifics of the book have been outlined in the above reviews, I'd just like to note its usefulness, or not, to Sheffield students in particular, but politics students in general.
The book is on the recommended book list & a chapter or two are always on the weekly reading list. So from that point of view a worthwhile buy. However it is also available as an electronic version via the library website for students to access for those that dont mind reading from the screen & can save you a fair amount of money.
Ian also bases his lectures around these chapters so depending on your point of view it can become repetative or re-afirming to have a copy of this book.
On a wider point, friends of mine at other uni's across the UK doing politics also have copies of this book on their shelves, so definately a core student textbook, & every bit as useful as outlined above.
My Bible - By: J. Thomas, 24 Nov 2006 
Politics of the European Union is my bible & Bache & George are my Gods! This book is brilliant for anyone studying the European Union. The layout is clear & well organised, with special concepts highlighted separatly from the main text. Each chapter is concluded with a 'Key Points' section & suggestions for further reading.
This book provides a foundation to the EU & is always my first point of calll, before going on to more advanced & specific reading. Definitely a book for anyone studying the EU.
A very good introductory book - By: , 10 Jun 2001 This co-authored volume by the two Sheffield University academics is a welcome addition to the vast array of 'introductory' books on the European Union. To some extent it builds upon S. George's previous book "Politics & Policy in the European Union" but has been vastly expanded & updated. Distinct from other books (such as Hix & edited books by Richardson & Walllace) it present a broad overview over integration & governance theory, the history of the EU, the context within the biggest member states, the institutions, & some key policy sectors. It thus provides a good reference point for any student on alll aspects of EU studies. It is particularly strong in outlining & explaining the important theories that structure the academic debate about integration & policy-making. The subsequent chapters provide a good introduction to the institutions & policy sectors by positioning them within the theoretical framework outlined in the first chapters & by linking them to the ongoing academic debate. The theoretical introduction is particularly good, as are the chapters on the Commission & on cohesion policies. Frequent use of boxed features & diagrams, as well as the inclusion of important key points & a short guide to further reading at the end of each chapter, make this the ideal text book for undergraduate students who are new to European politics. Yet, for more advanced students this book hardly provides any new insights. Those who wish to gain further & deeper understanding of European politics are advised to read some of the books & articles referenced in the book (but beware of some typos: 'International Organization' became 'Political Organization' on p.287). Nevertheless, this is probably the best comprehensive introductory textbook on the European Union & is thus highly recommended.
