"This often fascinating study shines its bright light on think tanks, largely overlooked players in the political process." getAbstract

"This is a terrific book. It is not only the definitive political science treatment of think tanks in the United States, but also an extremely insightful study of the transformation of the policymaking community and process in Washington...Anyone who reads this book will come away with a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shape contemporary policy-making in the United States." R. Kent Weaver, Georgetown University HB ISBN (2004) 0-521-83029-X

"This timely study is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the growing centrality of nonprofit organizations and subsidized expertise in contemporary public life - and indispensable to understanding the institutional basis of America's conservative revolution." Peter Dobkin Hall, Harvard University

"Andrew Rich's study of evolution and role of think tanks in American politics is a first-class contribution to our understanding of public policy making. Employing both quantitative analysis and dozens of interviews, Rich identifies when and how think tanks most effectively influence the policy making process. He also shows that, ironically, as think tanks become more ideologically disposed and play to the media, they lose the very influence they seek. This is easily the best book on the subject." James D. Savage, University of Virginia

"Andrew Rich's new work is the single best book available on think tanks. It's packed with ideas, insights, and fascinating details about the operations of these public policy enterprises. His arguments are carefully drawn and are supported by an abundance of convincing evidence. Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise is essential reading for anyone interested in the subject." Jeffrey M. Berry, Tufts University

"This is a terrific book. It is not only the definitive political science treatment of think tanks in the United States, but also an extrememly insightful study of the transformation of the policymaking community and process in Washington. Rich shows that the roles that experts play in influencing policy are severely constrained, and that think tank efforts to improve the timeliness and visibility of their policy ideas frequently come at a cost in terms of credibility. Anyone who reads this book will come away with a deeper understanding of the complex forces that shape contemporary policy-making in the United States." R. Kent Weaver, Georgetown University

"...Rich's book does a great service: It shows that the timeless question, "where can we find wisdom?" is still very much alove. And at least Rich, for all his latent hostility to conservative think tanks, doesn't follow the lead of Aristophanes and recommend a purification by fire." - Albert Keith Whitaker