Publications

In addition to the resources available free of charge on our website, we offer several print publications, ranging from full-length anthologies to short booklets, for use in civic reflection. Click on the titles or cover images for ordering information.

Anthologies

Our full-length anthologies include a variety of rich, thought-provoking readings for civic reflection.

• Taking Action: Readings for Civic Reflection. Edited by Adam Davis. The Great Books Foundation, 2012.

Taking Action is especially designed for discussion groups and staff development programs in a wide range of service-oriented organizations. Fifty-five short readings—essays, stories and poetry—and six visual images provide thought-provoking material for educators, social workers, community organizers, medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, and others who work to make the world a better place to discuss their values, aspirations and challenges.

This is an incredibly well-chosen collection. Every single selection holds great power. Taking Action is a wonderful primer for the young citizen, sure, but it works just as well for anyone of any age—anyone interested in a truly participatory and humane democracy.—Dave Eggers, author of Zeitoun and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and co-founder of Voice of Witness and 826 Valencia.

• Hearing the Call across Traditions: Readings on Faith and Service. Edited by Adam Davis. Skylight Paths Publishing, 2009.

Drawing from diverse literary genres, religious and philosophical perspectives, and historical periods, these short and provocative readings cut to the heart of the many obstacles and joys that accompany lives devoted to faith and service.

I recommend this book without reservations for individual and group use for adolescents and adults. It would be a valuable resource for a high school or college course on interreligious studies or justice, or for adult conversation. Using it to develop interfaith dialogue would be a real blessing. —Daniel S. Mulhall, review for the Catholic News Service

• The Civically Engaged Reader: A Diverse Collection of Short Provocative Readings on Civic Activity. Edited by Adam Davis and Elizabeth Lynn. The Great Books Foundation, 2006.

Designed for service and volunteer groups, as well as for the classroom and the individual reader, The Civically Engaged Reader features more than forty short readings from Aristotle to Eggers, Maimonides to Morrison; introductory essays on associating, serving, giving and leading; and discussion questions and tips for facilitators.

Bringing together the perspectives of writers as diverse as Kafka, Maimonides, and Lincoln, the anthology highlights and mediates relationship more effectively than any other book I know. —Shanti Elliott, review for Schools: Studies in Education

• The Perfect Gift: The Philanthropic Imagination in Poetry and Prose. Edited by Amy A. Kass. University of Indianapolis Press, 2002.

An intriguing and inspiring collection of readings on giving, from many cultures, genres and time periods. Kass's introductions guide the reader's reflection on why, to whom, and what to give, as well as on the question of whether giving can be taught.

Booklets

Our booklets are designed for facilitators and organizers looking for a short, affordable selection of time-tested readings, complete with questions for discussion.

• Talking Giving: Readings for Civic Reflection. Edited by Susannah Quern Pratt. Project on Civic Reflection, 2010.

A selection of six readings to spur conversation on the challenges and complexities of giving, with reflection exercises and discussion questions.

• Talking Service: Readings for Civic Reflection. Edited by Adam Davis and Elizabeth Lynn. The Great Books Foundation, 2008.

Six popular readings selected to spur discussions of service, with opening reflection exercises and discussion questions.