'Elegantly written, cogently argued and well sourced, this book adds signficantly to the literature on social capital. It deserves to be read...by policy-makers and practictioners as well as by politicians and academics.' - Professor Jimmy Kearney, Voluntary Action 'This book is a useful and accomplished overview of the history and development of civil society and provides a well-defined roadmap to the current debates...essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the issues facing civil society and the contexts in which they arise.' - Third Sector 'The book provides a good overview of many of the important issues relating to civil society and would be helpful for undergraduate and graduate students.' - Douglas Wolfe, University of Oxford, Political Studies