Review by Choice Review
Smith (Univ. of Nebraska) and Larimer (Univ. of Northern Iowa) begin with a basic question about public policy studies: "Does such a field really exist?" Noting the lack of core theories or even core questions, the authors nevertheless make a cogent case that the various subfields of policy studies cohere into a distinct and useful knowledge set. They then set out to offer what they call a "guided tour" of those fields, not only reviewing but knitting together the collective wisdom of several decades of pertinent scholarly work. In constructing a framework to understand the field and in providing an exemplary literature review, the book is essential reading for beginning policy studies graduate students. Scholars of policy studies will find a new perspective on how to view the entirety of their field and a challenge to bring their work past the descriptive but nonpredictive conclusions Smith and Larimer lament are characteristic of policy research. The book is, however, inaccessible for undergraduates and nonexpert readers, as the depth of scholarly discussion overwhelms the occasional nod to the policies themselves and their real-world implications. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections. D. Niven Wright State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
