"In twelve engrossing stories whose protagonists range from Pliny the Younger to Abraham Lincoln to Adam Clayton Powell, a noted political scientist and game theorist demonstrates how some of our heroes as well as ordinary folk have manipulated their opponents in order to win political advantage. It is "a useful and entertaining informal essay on political tactics that will have direct utility in the classroom."

--Douglas W. Rae, Yale University

"The intellectual founding father of positive political theory puts his theoretical principles to work in these marvelous tales of political manipulation. They entertain and amaze while at the same time revealing the substantial richness of the rational choice approach. Professor Riker's insights about the craft of the politician might even give 'manipulation' a good name."

--Kenneth A. Shepsle

"Brilliant, learned, and entertaining--only Riker could have written such a book."

--Morris Fiorina

"The Art Of Political Manipulation should probably be required reading for serious students of politics."

--Gordon Jackson, Wall Street Journal

Yale University Press Web Site, September, 2000

In twelve engrossing stories whose protagonists range from Pliny the Younger to Abraham Lincoln to Adam Clayton Powell, a noted political scientist and game theorist demonstrates how some of our heroes as well as ordinary folk have manipulated their opponents in order to win political advantage.