I thought members of the social-policy list might be interested to hear
about a new book recently published on the welfare state: 

The Welfare State Reader
Edited by Christopher Pierson, University of Nottingham and Francis G.
Castles, Australian National University, Canberra
'Pierson and Castles have compiled a gem of a reader. It presents a true
panorama of the epochal writings on Western welfare states, ranging from
Thomas Paine to postmodernism. Between these two covers, the reader will
find the most influential theoretical and analytical contributions on the
causes and consequences of welfare state evolution, diversity and
convergence. The collection succeeds brilliantly in bringing out the core
controversies and debates. Any student or scholar of social policy will find
this book invaluable in their studies.' Gosta Esping-Andersen, University of
Trento
Selected and edited by two internationally-respected researchers and
teachers in the field, the book brings together in a single volume texts on
the welfare state from a wide range of sources, some of which are now either
out of print or difficult to obtain. It includes work from the earliest
years of post-war welfare state growth right through to the very latest
debates about ageing, competitiveness and globalization.  It encompasses
representatives of both the most important theoretical approaches to welfare
and the very latest comparative empirical research. The final section marks
out the terrain on which the next battles for welfare will be fought.
Throughout the emphasis is upon welfare debates. The extraordinary range of
contrasting opinions and judgements in the volume demonstrate why welfare is
such a crucial and contested topic.
229 x 152 mm  403 pages  February 2000
0-7456-2253-4  pb  £15.99

Of related interest
2nd edition
Beyond the Welfare State
Christopher Pierson
This book provides an introduction to the problems with which these
policy-makers must struggle.  The second edition of Beyond the Welfare
State? has been thoroughly revised and updated drawing on the latest
theoretical developments and empirical evidence. The opening chapters
develop a scholarly but accessible review of competing views of the
historical and contemporary roles of the welfare state.  This evaluation
draws upon the most recent empirical research and gives full weight to
feminist, ecological and 'anti-racist' critiques.  It also develops a clear
account of globalization and its contested impact upon existing welfare
regimes.  The book constructs a distinctive history of the international
growth of welfare states and offers a comprehensive account of recent
developments from 'crisis' to 'structural adjustment'.  The final chapters
bring the story right up to date with an assessment of the important changes
effected in the 1990s and the prospects for welfare states in the new
millennium. 
229 x 152 mm 286 pages 1998
0-7456-1903-7 pb  £13.99

If you would like an inspection copy of any of these titles and teach an
appropriate course with more than 10 students, please email me on
[log in to unmask] with your address and course details. If
you would like more information on these books and how to order copies,
please email me at the same address. 
 
Please feel free to forward this message to any relevant person or list.
I apologise for any cross-posting that might have occurred.

I look forward to hearing from you

Yours sincerely,

Paul Millicheap
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----------------------------------------------------
Paul Millicheap
Marketing Manager
Polity
108 Cowley Road
Oxford OX4 1JF
Tel: 01865 382 245
Fax: 01865 381 245
Email: [log in to unmask]
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