Tim Bale has written the textbook on European politics that was missing. It combines a traditional institutionally based comparative approach with one focusing on key themes and issues. It is well written and lively with many useful boxes and illustrations. It will disappoint those who are looking for a hard and dry systematic review of judiciary powers in the usual 4 or 5 states but is perfect for an introduction to European politics that aims to provide students with an overview of political life, political debates and political institutions in the diverse countries of the new EU.