LAUSR

useful synthesis of ideas and will no doubt be able to cite Coombs in his own right. Coombs admits in the Introduction that the project began in his Master’s work and that he has attempted to review the existing literature on theories of history and event. This should not deter the reader hoping for groundbreaking new theories, however, because Coombs is a master writer. In short, Coombs argues that history and event have been theorised in different ways and that these complex concepts remain important to the study of politics. The book is short, but well constructed. The different parts, chapters and sub-headings make the book easy to read even with the weighty material it contains. Coombs is generous with references and rephrasing, which will help the confused. He might have produced a solid literature review, but it is also a serious contribution to political theory spread over languages, editions, translations and disciplines. Political theorists might raise a few questions about the book, as it does not provide easy or wholly satisfying answers. Why not expand the volume to include the rise of Italian political theory since the 1970s? What about the role of non-French and German thinkers such as Ernesto Laclau, Enrique Dussel and others who are certainly important contributors to the discussion of history and events? What about the reception of these thinkers in different countries and at different times? In some ways, Coombs has provided an intellectual history of two concepts, but more reflection on how each thinker’s work on these concepts was, and is currently being, received might have placed the book better in conversation with the field of political theory. The only other drawback to this book is the price. At £70.00, graduate students, who have the most to take away from this book, might need assistance scraping together the necessary funds. These concerns notwithstanding, Coombs’ book is engaging, informative and a pleasure to read.