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.

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.

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

"Brilliant analysis. . . . A kind of moral State of the Union message worthy of Tocqueville."—Newsweek

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

"Rare among works of scholarly origin. . . . Its power is in the passion of its analysis."—Los Angeles Times

"Holds up a mirror to American values, makes us examine ourselves, and dares us to question where our society is going. Not many books possess that ability."—Baltimore Sun

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

Jury Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction; Los Angeles Times Book Award; Highest Honors for a Book in Education, The American Educational Studies Association