Habits of the Heart, with a New Preface - by Robert N Bellah & Richard Madsen & William M Sullivan & Ann Swidler & Steven M Tipton (Paperback)

About the Book

First published in 1985, "Habits of the Heart" continues to be one of the most discussed interpretations of how religion contributes to and detracts from Americas common good. In a new Preface, the authors relate the arguments of the book both to the current realities of American society and the growing debate about the countrys future.

Book Synopsis

First published in 1985, Habits of the Heart continues to be one of the most discussed interpretations of modern American society, a quest for a democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditions. In a new preface the authors relate the arguments of the book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.

From the Back Cover

The contemporary benchmark from which to look back and look forward in the continuing inquiry about American character.--Daniel Bell

Review Quotes

"At once far-reaching and intimate, rigorously reasoned and strongly felt."-- "Psychology Today"

"Remarkable. . . well written, and absolutely free of jargon. It conveys a powerful sense of moral urgency."-- "New York Times Book Review"

"Habits of the Heart is, rare among works of scholarly origin, an outspoken and even emotional plea for attention to an argument, and a danger. Its power is in the passion of its analysis, the vision of us...narrowing the gap between the inordinate rewards of success and the not less inordinate punishments for failure, in economic terms, in the society."-- "Los Angeles Times"

"(A) brilliant analysis. Easily the richest and most readable study of American society . . . since The Lonely Crowd."-- "Newsweek"

About the Author

Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, Robert N. Bellah is Elliott Professor of Sociology Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley. Richard Madsen is Professor of Sociology, University of California, San Diego. William M. Sullivan is Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Ann Swidler is Professor of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley. Steven M. Tipton is Professor of Sociology and Religion at Emory University and the Candler School of Theology.