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These essays lead the reader into the political and intellectual worlds within which John Milton wrote his verse and prose, and into the later worlds within which his reputation evolved and fluctuated. The illuminating and entertaining range of perspectives will appeal to specialists and non-specialists alike.

How do we write about the history of a place, a person, an event or an idea in its context in the world? How do we do history in the current age of globalization? In this book historians engage in new dialogues outside their former specialisms to face new challenges of comparative and connective histories.

Examining the policies of the Thatcher governments helps us understand the economic and social conditions in Britain today. The book explores Thatcherite policies on the economy, social welfare, housing, education, crime, families, and social inequality, and examines what can be said about the legacy of Thatcherism for the 21st century.

This book provides the historical background to the rise of the Big Society. Voluntarism has evolved over the last hundred years to adapt to changing circumstances, drawing up new agendas, tackling old problems, and acting as an alternative to state provision and as a catalyst for further government action.

Do humans have the kind of free will which makes them morally responsible for their actions? Essays by distinguished scientists and philosophers investigate whether neuroscience, Quantum theory or mathematics show that human behaviour is or is not fully determined by prior brain states.

Tipping points are thresholds of profound changes in natural or social conditions with considerable (largely unforecastable) consequences. This book explores the scientific, economic, social, and spiritual and creative approaches to identifying and anticipating tipping points so that societies can adapt to more sustainable ways of living.