Has there ever been a period in modern history when democratic politics seemed more unpredictable or unruly? The old rules by which politics was once both ordered and understood have waned, in the face of a set of global challenges almost beyond control or comprehension.

In terms of understanding these challenges, there are very few commentators who can run the gamut from democracy to disgust, from the micro to the macro and from love to loathing. And yet this is exactly what Matthew Flinders delivers, expertly ranging across topics including architecture, art, fell running and fairy tales in an attempt to understand the emerging democratic landscape.

Linking academic scholarship with popular culture, this refreshing and stimulating book seeks to provoke and inform in equal measure.

"This is awesome!" Isabelle Engeli, University of Bath, customer review "Essential, effervescent reading for anyone wishing to gain an insight into the rapidly evolving politics of our time" Judith Haire, customer review "An accessible series of thought-provoking posts, Flinders draws on political science to bring a fresh interpretation to many of today's most topical political events." Claire Ainsley Joseph Rowntree Foundation "What an engaging and FUN book! Flinders' thoughts are accessible, challenging and insightful. A must-read not just for politics academics but for anyone interested in the apparent `madness' of our contemporary democracy." Angelia R. Wilson, University of Manchester "A skilfully crafted succession of humorous, scholarly and thought provoking insights into contemporary democratic politics and more....should most definitely be on the coffee tables of all serious politicos." Rosie Campbell, Birkbeck University "This a book that the interested reader can read a couple of chapters of before bed or on the train and get insight, enlightenment and an occasional smile. It captures many of the issues and discontents facing many democracies and begins to talk about how they might be addressed." Gerry Stoker, University of Southampton and University of Canberra "A brilliant effort by one of our most prolific writers to engage us in the public dialogue so urgently needed in a world of Trumps, Brexits and other populist challenges." Melvin J. Dubnick, University of New Hampshire "Democratic politics is a glorious, dangerous, and ever-changing game. These short commentaries are insightful, easily read, and just as lively as the game itself." Alasdair Roberts, University of Missouri "An extremely unusual, accessible and innovative way of getting across crucial messages not only about the importance of democracy but how it affects a whole range of aspects of our lives. I hope that people will find it as entertaining and intriguing as I do." Rt. Hon, the Prof Lord Blunkett "A very elegant collection of concise comments on contemporary politics - witty, thought-provoking and a great read." Mark Bovens, Utrecht University School of Governance

Matthew Flinders is Founding Director of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre for the Public Understanding of Politics at the University of Sheffield – the first research centre of its kind in the world. He is also Chair of the UK Political Studies Association and a member of the board of the Academy of Social Sciences. In recent years his research and writing have focused on (amongst other issues) the rise of anti-politics, the mental wellbeing of politicians and models of democracy. He has written and presented a number of documentaries for the BBC and frequently writes for newspapers, magazines and websites around the world and currently holds a Professorial Fellowship within the House of Commons.