Robert D. Putnam is Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. He is the founder of the Saguaro Seminar on Civic Engagement and author of the best-selling Bowling Alone.

Social capital--good will, fellowship, sympathy, and social intercourse--is vitally important for the health of communities. In his new work, the author of "Bowling Alone" presents a panoramic look at the strength of civil society in eight advanced democracies. 50 line illustrations.