Henry M. Robert (1837–1923)

If you’re running even a halfway-serious meeting, assembly, or convention, you need some way of bringing order to the proceedings. Without common rules, deliberative assemblies devolve into chaos. First devised in 1876 by U.S. Army Colonel Henry Martyn Robert, these rules help to allow groups of peoples to understand what happens when, when people can speak, when and how motions can be voted on, and how to decide on many complicated matters.

Robert’s Rules of Order are now in their 11th show more edition and still going strong. My version—the 1943 5th edition—are mainly for consulting and not straight reading. The funny thing is, once you go through them, watch C-SPAN. Many more things make sense. This little book teaches you what each position in the chamber entails, how committees are supposed to work, and how to maintain a meaningful flow of discourse in a debate. If you’re looking for a career in politics and haven’t read them, you should get very familiar with Robert’s Rules. show less

Everything it says that it is. Clear and concise that helps figure out 80% of all the cases of Robert's Rules. The bigger 600 page book is good as a reference, but if you're looking to master just the basics of Robert's Rules, this is your go to.

Yes, this is THE Robert's Rules of Order.

There are lots of books with Robert's Rules in the title. However, most of these books are earlier editions of Robert's or knock-offs. If you're supposed to follow the "latest edition" of Robert's, this is your book--Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th Edition), published in 2011. Each new edition brings changes to procedure. The latest has 120.

While Robert's Rules may not seem like a "let's cozy up with a book" kind of read, the book is a show more wonderful resource for anyone who has to spend time in meetings. And this newest edition is essential for groups that follow (or at least claim to follow) Robert's. show less

"Robert's Rules of Order in Plain and Simple English" consists of an introduction to parliamentary procedure and then the 1915 edition of Robert's Rules of Order.

There are a number of significant errors in the introductory materials, including:
** The maker of a motion does not always get to speak last
** There is no 20 minute final speech on a motion
** A Division of the Assembly is not counted
** A standard vote is based on those present and voting, not total membership
** The Previous show more Question is not "a motion to end debate that is only used in The U.S. House of Representatives"

More importantly, except for historical interest, the 1915 edition of Robert's is of little use today. Robert's is regularly updated, and there have been many editions since the Revised 1915 version. Each new edition brings changes to procedure (the latest has 120 listed). If you're supposed to follow the "most recent edition" of Robert's, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition published in 2011 is your book. show less