The new institutionalism is the dominant paradigm in American politics and every graduate student reads March and Olson's game changing article during their first semester. This book situates the new institutionalism in a broader and deeper context. What did the "old institutionalism" look like? Why did the new institutionalism emerge as a reaction against logical positivist behavioralism? This book is a primer of articles written by prominent scholars in the field that serves both as an introduction to institutionalism for newbies and a cognitive map with bibliography for seasoned scholars. If I were taking Ph.D. comprehensive exams or writing questions for one, I'd want this book on my shelf.