clearly written, theoretically amibitious and interesting, historically sensitive and analytically sharp work based on exceptionally wide reading that has been intelligently absorbed and organised ... it is strongly to be recommended both to the specialist whose ideas are likely to be severely challenged by Hood's approach and to the general reader who wishes to acquire an understanding of ideas on ways of organising institutions in general and those of public management in particular

Reason in Practice Vol 1, No 1, 2001

this well-written and very readable book on public management is rich with references to the ideas of past thinkers on the subject and to past practices of public management

Reason in Practice, Vol 1, No 1, 2001

a timely and important book, by one of Europe's most repected administrative scholars ... this text is tightly organized, well-written and thought provoking ... a clear, concise, comprehensive survey of major public management ideas, their strengths and weaknesses.

Richard J. Stillman II, New Institutionalism and Organizational Theory, A Review Article.