We all want to be happy, but what does that mean, and how do we get there? These questions may be a popular topic of positive psychology books in recent years, but interest in the subject stretches back over a century. Distinguished authors Nathan Carlin and Donald Capps examine opinions, research studies, and insights about happiness from the 18th century through today.

"100 Years of Happiness: Insights and Findings from the Experts" is organized into three sections--one that explores insights from philosophers, another part that reviews study results from researchers, and a final...