Is democracy the engine of prosperity or a luxury only the prosperous can afford? Roger Osborne's *From the People to the People* presents the history of democracy from a new perspective. To this end, he proves that systems are always a reflection of the local culture and history in which they are born and emerge through fleeting opportunities. He explains how the past and different democracies combine to shape the present. The narrative begins in Ancient Greece and extends to the Arab Spring. Most books on the subject focus on political theory and analysis, in a vain attempt to define this type of government. *From the People to the People* takes a diverse approach, considering the histories of different democracies over the last 2,500 years—from Athens to Greece, from Jamestown to New Delhi, from Putney to Pretoria. One of the author's great achievements was choosing to simply study and narrate the rise and fall of democracy over time, rather than delving into any particular theory about the emergence of such a political system. Osborne provides a social, cultural, and historical context that illustrates the consolidation of democracy over the centuries. From the People to the People is a broad and precise study of the subject, covering periods and episodes highly valued by most people, such as the French Revolution and the democratization of India, as well as lesser-known ones, such as the creation of the Three Leagues in Switzerland. "Roger Osborne challenges the assumptions that underpin Western society." (Observer) "An admirable work: retelling the history of democracy so vividly is no easy task. His work serves as a reminder: the price of democratic freedom is eternal vigilance." (BBC History Magazine) "Lucid writing, precise prose that conveys the most complex information with ease." (Independent on Sunday)
