First published in 1990, Laws, Men and Machines is an original interpretation of the lasting influence that Newtonian mechanics has had on the design and operation of the American political system. The author argues that it is this mechanistic tradition that now instinctively shapes the way we conceive of, analyse, and evaluate American politics, and that the Newtonian conception of the world still finds expression in the 'checks and balances' of the American system.

'Michael Foley's book is marvellous... A serious exploration, careful, and controlled, of a seminal idea in American politics' - Professor Aaron Widlavsky 'Foley's book is a tour de force. His thesis is original and he pursues carefully.' - Times Higher Education Supplement 'It is rare to find a book with a genuinely original slant on old problems, and Michael Foley's slant is both interesting and revealing.' - Professor Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr 'The strength of the book is that it is a sustained analysis of the origins, evolution and significance of a sometimes crucially important idea in US politics ? This is a major work and one likely to frame the debate for years to come.' - American Politics Review No 26, July 1991 'Michael Foley has written a splendid book; the intellectual grasp is as broad as the American continent itself'- Professor Richard Rose