Customer Rating:  
Summary: A Sheffield Politics Student
Comment: I am currently studying politics and international relations at the University of Sheffield and have just completed the European Union module taught by Ian Bache.
The specifics of the book have been outlined in the above reviews, I'd just like to note its usefulness, or not, to Sheffield students in particular, but politics students in general.
The book is on the recommended book list and a chapter or two are always on the weekly reading list. So from that point of view a worthwhile buy. However it is also available as an electronic version via the library website for students to access for those that dont mind reading from the screen and can save you a fair amount of money.
Ian also bases his lectures around these chapters so depending on your point of view it can become repetative or re-afirming to have a copy of this book.
On a wider point, friends of mine at other uni's across the UK doing politics also have copies of this book on their shelves, so definately a core student textbook, and every bit as useful as outlined above.
Customer Rating:
Summary: My Bible
Comment: Politics of the European Union is my bible and Bache and George are my Gods! This book is brilliant for anyone studying the European Union. The layout is clear and well organised, with special concepts highlighted separatly from the main text. Each chapter is concluded with a 'Key Points' section and suggestions for further reading.
This book provides a foundation to the EU and is always my first point of call, before going on to more advanced and specific reading. Definitely a book for anyone studying the EU.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A very good introductory book
Comment: This co-authored volume by the two Sheffield University academics is a welcome addition to the vast array of 'introductory' books on the European Union. To some extent it builds upon S. George's previous book "Politics and Policy in the European Union" but has been vastly expanded and updated. Distinct from other books (such as Hix and edited books by Richardson and Wallace) it present a broad overview over integration and governance theory, the history of the EU, the context within the biggest member states, the institutions, and some key policy sectors. It thus provides a good reference point for any student on all aspects of EU studies. It is particularly strong in outlining and explaining the important theories that structure the academic debate about integration and policy-making. The subsequent chapters provide a good introduction to the institutions and policy sectors by positioning them within the theoretical framework outlined in the first chapters and by linking them to the ongoing academic debate. The theoretical introduction is particularly good, as are the chapters on the Commission and on cohesion policies. Frequent use of boxed features and diagrams, as well as the inclusion of important key points and a short guide to further reading at the end of each chapter, make this the ideal text book for undergraduate students who are new to European politics. Yet, for more advanced students this book hardly provides any new insights. Those who wish to gain further and deeper understanding of European politics are advised to read some of the books and articles referenced in the book (but beware of some typos: 'International Organization' became 'Political Organization' on p.287). Nevertheless, this is probably the best comprehensive introductory textbook on the European Union and is thus highly recommended.
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