The revival of scholarly and public policy interest in the 'institutions of civil society' is one of the more encouraging intellectual and social movements of the past decade. Still, much work needs to be done to clarify the normative tasks and limits of these institutions and to try to explain how they should properly relate to government, individual citizens, the market, and to each other. This collection of essays helps set the stage for the next round in the "civil society debate.

Keith J. Pavlischek, Fellow, Center for Public Justice

Few know more or care more about civil society than Don Eberly, so it's not surprising that he has gathered in this book one of the finest collections of essays available on the subject. You'll agree with some, disagree with others, and learn from them all.

E. J. Dionne Jr., syndicated columnist and editor of Community Works: The Revival of Civil Society in America

Emily Dickinson called poetry the best words in the best order. These essays are the poetry of our national conversation on civil society. If you want an accessible, everything-under-one-roof introduction to our current social condition, you will not find a better book.

David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values and co-chair of the Council on Civil Society