Engaging and controversial in equal measure, On the Public traces the origins of the public back to ancient Rome, before arguing that the idea of a public sphere, is closely linked to the birth of democracy in the eighteenth century.
'Hannay's provocative book points out that the potential of the public lies in its ability to stop observing and start acting...to become...an agent of change that can make politicians sit up and listen' Times Literary Supplement
'Philosopher Alastair Hannay's On the Public ... is an interesting short guide.' - New Scientist
