Pros and Cons : A Debater's Handbook

I would simply like to echo the review from seven years ago about calendar reform. Astonishing.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is activly involved in debating. Although this book does include an explenation into the principles of debating it is not a "teach yourself" volume and will be of little use to a novice. It is also important to remember that the book does not contain every conceivable motion and should be regarded as a source of information an not a speech-writer. (the book does not include written speaches, only a list of pros and a list of cons for the included motions) On the whole i would have to say that this book is an exellent aid to any one participating in a debate. However it is an aid and not an automatic spechwriter. One must also remember that it is not an "index of possibel motions" and features a selection of motions. - A GREAT BUY

An excellent book, although I do feel distinctions should be made for some of the topics e.g. nationalism - which is very different in different parts of the UK. Moreover, I think this book would be greatly improved by having a small bank of highlighted stats to support every theme - a lack of stats being the thing most likely to hinder an experienced debater who already knows most of the arguments. Certainly, however, it remains indispensable for reference in short notice debating and is well worth owning.

This book is a good basic guide, but should never be followed to the letter. As someone who has taken part in a debate where the entire proposition is taken word-for-word from Pros and Cons, I can vouch for how boring this can be. Useful as a guide to get you thinking or in an emergency when you can't think of something to say, but it will always be out of date and fresh ideas will always triumph.

I've seen some of the earlier editions of this handbook, and I have to say that this latest version stands head and shoulders above the rest. As the first post-Cold War edition, its fresh new views on topics such as Nuclear disarmament are genuinely thought-provoking. As well as such mainstream issues, it's also full of little gems of topics which, though less prominent, are just as rewarding - I'd never even thought about Calendar Reform until I bought this book! Although it's billed as a 'debater's handbook', I feel that no-one with an interest in current affairs can really afford to be without it.