John McCormick Books

Black Beach, located on Bioko island off the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, is one of the world’s most feared prisons, notorious for its brutality and inhumane conditions. In 2013, South African businessman Daniel Janse van Rensburg set off to the West African country to finalize a legitimate airline contract with a local politician. Within days, Daniel was arrested by the local Rapid Intervention Force, had his passport confiscated, and was held prisoner without trial in the island’s infamous ‘Guantanamo’ cells, where he witnessed torture for the first time. He was released by the courts but promptly re-arrested, and this time taken to Black Beach.What follows is his remarkable story of survival over more than a year, made possible by his unwavering faith and the humanity of a few fellow inmates. In a thrilling first-person narrative, Daniel relives his ordeal, detailing his arrest, his flight to the South African embassy while dodging armed men, his near escape and subsequent re-arrest at the airport, his harrowing incarceration at Black Beach and the horrific conditions in the prison, and his ceaseless hope to return to South Africa and be reunited with his family. A story of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, this book demonstrates both the strength of the human spirit and the toll injustice takes on ordinary people who fall foul of the powerful and corrupt.

"To what extent was Machiavelli a 'Machiavellian'"? Was he an amoral adviser of tyranny or a stalwart partisan of liberty? A neutral technician of power politics or a devout Italian patriot? A reviver of pagan virtue or initiator of modern nihilism? Reading Machiavelli answers these questions through original interpretations of Niccolò Machiavelli's three major political works--The Prince, Discourses, and Florentine Histories--and demonstrates that a radically democratic populism seeded the Florentine's scandalous writings. John McCormick challenges the misguided understandings of Machiavelli set forth by prominent thinkers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau and representatives of the Straussian and Cambridge schools." -- Publisher's description

Focusing on the marionette world of Victorian Britain, this book delves into the vibrant puppet theatre from 1860 to 1914, highlighting its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal. It intertwines the history of marionette performances with various entertainment forms, including live shows and fairs. By utilizing historical advertisements, articles, and interviews, the author examines the artistry of puppetry, the empathetic nature of marionettes, and the evolution of audience tastes leading to the decline of this art form. Engaging anecdotes enrich the narrative.

This major new text provides an authoritative introduction to all aspects of politics and policy in the European Union. Written in the author's inimitably accessible style, it brings the European Union to life, giving readers a sense of the color and flavor of European Union politics and its impact on the citizens of Europe. * A major new introductory text specifically designed for students studying the European Union for the first time * Broad and detailed coverage of all aspects of European Union politics and policy and the nature of European integration * Written in the author's inimitably lively and accessible style - an extremely student-friendly new addition to a generally dry and dusty field * Readable and relevant, and alive to the human side of the European Union and the impact it has on the lives of Europe's citizens * Packed with a wide range of maps, charts, photos, and boxed features, including profiles of key figures in the theory and practice of European integration and country profiles of member states * Companion website includes updated materials, self test questions and answers, a searchable chronology glossary of terms, weblinks, and further reading and an instructor's site providing additional teaching resources

An informed analysis and critique of the origins and myths of bullfighting and a survey of the novels it has inspired.

Critics like to depict the European Union as undemocratic and unpopular, but their arguments are too often based on myths and misunderstandings. This does us all a disservice, and in this period of uncertainty about the future of Europe it is more important than ever that we have a firm grasp of the issues at stake. This powerful new book debunks the misconceptions surrounding the EU and makes a compelling and comprehensive case for the benefits of European integration. It shows how the EU has improved the lives of Europeans in countless ways, and how it has given Europe a powerful presence on the international stage. Guaranteed to illuminate as well as spark debate, this book will appeal to anyone who seeks to better understand what Europe means and why it matters.

Offering a thought-provoking and jargon-free introduction to all aspects of life in contemporary Britain, this is an essential companion for students of British politics, society, culture and geography. It looks at Britain at a time of great change and uncertainty, tracing its story from postwar reconstruction through to the present day. With new topical case studies and analysis, this new edition offers: - Discussion of the ongoing impact of Brexit, Covid-19, Scottish nationalism and the 2017 and 2019 general elections - Increased coverage of important socio-cultural topics, including gender, immigration and race - Reflection on Britain's place in the world and its future outlook - Two chapters on British politics and government - Brand new glossary, updated further reading and additional figures and tables to spark discussion Assuming no prior knowledge of the topic, Contemporary Britain is the ideal starting point for students and interested readers alike. Filled with empirical data and clear contextual information and explanation, it gives readers a sophisticated consideration of how and why Britain has become the country that it is today.

This best-selling textbook provides a broad-ranging but concise introduction to the EU, covering all major aspects of European integration. The revised and updated new edition takes full account of the political and economic impact of the Eurozone crisis.

Can you be a citizen of the world? How important is religion today? Why is peace more challenging to achieve than war? How has Covid-19 worsened global inequality? This second edition of Global Studies will equip you with the tools to answer these questions and many more as it delves into the important issues and events that determine the state of the world today. Succinct, authoritative and thought-provoking, it covers all of the key dimensions of global studies, including broad introductions to international politics and economics, alongside focused surveys on pressing global changes such as human rights, migration and the climate emergency. It encourages you to assess how the connections and divisions that exist between the 7.6 billion humans on earth have been shaped and influenced, and what direction they may take next. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this textbook is ideal for undergraduate students worldwide who are taking introductory modules in Global and International Studies. The text can also be used by undergraduate students taking courses on Globalization.

Focusing on twelve pivotal cases, this book vividly illustrates the diverse political systems across the globe. Renowned author John McCormick begins with two foundational chapters that set the stage for understanding comparative politics and the nuances of political systems. The selected cases showcase a range of political types and developmental levels, ensuring a rich geographical and cultural representation, making it an insightful resource for exploring the complexities of global politics.