Civic Liberalism defines a new liberalism suitable for contemporary life. Approaching his task through a nuanced reading of several contending perspectives, Spragens articulates a vision that will convince many and challenge the rest of us to refine our thinking further. This book is a model of critical engagement and reflective construction.

William E. Connolly, Johns Hopkins University, author of The Fragility of Things: Self Organizing Processes, Neoliberal Fantasies, and Democratic Activism

Spragens' Civic Liberalism offers an appreciative and thoughtful critique of both libertarianism and of liberal egalitarianism as a prelude to constructing his own 'civic liberal' alternative. Part theoretical treatise, part guide for the perplexed democratic citizen, Civic Liberalism offers a new vision of political possibilities.

Terence Ball, Arizona State University

Thomas Spragen's Civic Liberalism is a fine critique of contemporary public theorizing about democracy and a creative and daring effort to point a new direction based on what is best and most enduring in our traditions. Spragens' is a grand voice, learned, accessible, and challenging and Civic Liberalism makes an invaluable contribution to public debate.

Wilson Carey McWilliams, Rutgers University

"Spragens' vision of civic liberalism is marked by the same qualities which characterize his defense of it in this wise and important book: reflective awareness, critical intelligence, and a spirit of generosity toward those with whom he disagrees that is truly liberal.

Patrick Neal, University of Vermont

Civic Liberalism: Reflections on Our Democratic Ideals is a stimulating work, breaking new ground in drawing together both liberal and democratic thought and ideals. Spragens does this in working with very familiar materials from both the cannon as well as contemporary political theory, reading them in a fresh thought-provoking way. . . . Furthermore, Spragens introduces exciting concepts to liberal democratic theory that have received little or no attention in the current debates. . . . This is a welcome addition to the literature on liberal democratic theory.

Ronald Terchek

A very important book. Thorough. Carefully argued and laid out. The very best of its kind. For everyone interested in the foundations of contemporary thought.

Amitai Etzioni, professor, George Washington University; founder of the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics