Liberalism is often described as a theory about the proper relationship between the individual and the state, but it also contains a broader account of the relationship between the individual and society. This book presents the liberal view about the nature and value of community and culture in an unusually explicit and systematic way, and links it to more familiar liberal views on individual rights and state neutrality.

Will Kymlicka is the Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen’s University. He is the author of seven books published by Oxford University Press, most recently Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights (2011), co-authored with Sue Donaldson. His previous books include Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (1995) and Multicultural Odysseys: Navigating the New International Politics of Diversity (2007). In 2013, he delivered the HLA Hart Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford on Animals and the Frontiers of Citizenship.

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'This excellent book, while forming a perfectly coherent whole, fulfills two major purposes. It is a highly lucid and informed discussion - the most comprehensive yet - of the debate between liberals and communitarians, and defense of liberalism against both communitarian and Marxist critiques. It is also a very powerful liberal argument for the protection of the collective rights of minority cultures ... essential reading for political and legal theorists and philosophers who are interested in real, urgent political issues.' Political Theory

'Kymlicka has provided the best philosophical treatment of minority rights that I know of. His book deserves to be widely read and discussed.' Canadian Philosophical Review

'an important defense of contemporary liberal theory from communitarian attacks Liberalism, Community, and Culture provides a provocative analysis of the place of cultural membership in liberal theory, as well as an excellent elaboration and defense of liberal principles.' Political Theory

'This is a spirited attempt to square the liberal circle, and give groups a legitimate place in an individualistic moral ontology ... he has much of interest to say about the various elements in practicable policies of cultural pluralism ... Kymlicka, as a liberal, is to be commended for at least broaching a topic that may embarass even the collectivists of the left.' David Archard, Radical Philosophy 57, Spring 1991

From the hardback:

'a provocative analysis of the place of cultural membership in liberal theory, as well as an excellent elaboration and defense of liberal principles.' American Political Science Review

'an ambitious and closely argued book. It engages with rigour and insight some of the central issues in the contemporary debate between liberals and communitarians ... I encourage anyone who is interested in political philosophy to read the book.' Philosophical Books

'The argument is provocative and the book is full of interest. Kymlicka as a philosopher ... gives abstract arguments their full due, but takes up concrete issues with equal facility.' Canadian Journal of Political Science

'a sensitive and sustained exploration of the complex connections of liberal theory and practice with cultural membership in a plural society.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'a spirited attempt to square the liberal circle, and give groups a legitimate place within an individualistic ontology.' Radical Philosophy