With documents ranging from Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum (1891) to Pope Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate (2009), this is the single most comprehensive collection available of the primary documents of Catholic social thought. Along with the complete texts of every essential papal encyclical, this volume also includes the important documents of the American bishops on peace, the economy, and racism. Every document is preceded by an introductory essay and helpful notes, making it an exceptional reference and teaching tool.

This updated and expanded edition of a classic text remains an indispensable tool for scholars and students, religious and lay people, and everyone concerned with the official statements of the Catholic Church on social issues and world peace.

David O’Brien is professor emeritus of Catholic studies at the College of the Holy Cross and University Professor of Faith and Culture at the University of Dayton. He has served as president of the American Catholic Historical Association.

Thomas A. Shannon is professor emeritus of religion and social ethics in the Department of Humanities and Arts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts.