The extraordinary story of the UN - its creation, the threats it has faced, and the possibilities it holds for the future.

Can the world be governed by agreement rather than conflict? In 1945 the world's most powerful nation states came together to 'save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and reaffirm faith in the fundamental human rights'. Over sixty years later, the United Nations still doggedly pursues that mandate.

Paul Kennedy's The Parliament of Man is a timely history that examines the roots and functions of this unique organization, casts an objective eye on its past effectiveness and assesses whether it will meet the challenges of our present world - from supplying aid during humanitarian crises to combating climate change.

Ultimately he shows why, despite its fallibility and its foibles, the UN remains utterly indispensable to our future.

'Wonderful ... a highly readable and sophisticated account' Independent

'Extraordinary ... a retelling of the United Nations story to remind us why it remains a necessary organisation' The New York Times

'A sweeping historical tour ... this is a necessary book' Financial Times