This book deserves a special place in the voluminous literature on electoral systems. Its explicit aim is to show that, although often declared 'mature', the study of this subject and their effects has neglected some important questions that need theoretical probing and new empirical tests. At both levels, Baldini and Pappalardo put forward insightful analyses and convincing comparative evidence. The book is thus an excellent example of the cumulative dynamics which characterizes the best work in political science and a compelling opportunity for reopening the agenda of the post-Duvergerian debate.'