The Civic Imagination provides a rich empirical description of civic life and a broader discussion of the future of democracy in contemporary America. Five researchers observed and participated, over the course of a year, in 7 civic organizations in a mid-sized US city. They draw on this ethnographic evidence to map the "civic imaginations" that motivate citizenship engagement in America today. The book unpacks how contemporary Americans think about and act toward positive social and political change. The authors' findings challenge contemporary assertions of American apathy.

Marketed as a life-saving advancement, flame retardants are now mired in controversy. Alissa Cordner describes how stakeholders use scientific evidence to support nonscientific goals. Toxic Safety demonstrates that while all parties interested in health issues use science to support their claims, they do not compete on a level playing field.