"Erudite and eloquent, engaging fundamental issues in the field in a style that is both accessible and profound, this book demonstrates the continued importance of John G. Gunnell's line of inquiry concerning the purpose and practice of theory as a subfield in political science. Gunnell's dissenting perspective is much needed. This book will be widely read for its significant contributions to understanding the purpose and practice of political theory today." - Sanford Schram, Bryn Mawr College