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The book is a comprehensive overview of the issue of public opinion, which is discussed as a complex phenomenon whose perception keeps constantly changing. This is illustrated by examples from both ancient and recent history, which are accompanied by reflections from various prominent thinkers to show that public opinion is not to be understood as mere figures generated by surveys. First and foremost, it is an important political subject playing an essential role in the political process. As such, it can be found in different societies and political systems, serving various functions and acquiring diverse meanings, depending on how experts, other political players, and the general public view it. The book is intended for readers who wish to have a sound understanding of the political process and place as well as the possibilities of public opinion in it. It comprises relatively independent yet thematically interconnected parts that complement each other and as a whole provide a complex view of the issue of public opinion in the context of contemporary democratic societies. The introduction presents the phenomenon per se, covering its origins, forms, conceptions, and functions based on the historical background and contemporary reflections on their specifics. Accompanying this is an outline of possible future development of public opinion, especially with respect to changes in communication and the online environment. The second part of the book, presented in a similar manner, deals with the investigation of public opinion, its history, methods, and procedures of empirical research. In doing so, it shows the close interconnection between theoretical reflections, empirical research, and practical social roles of public opinion.