John Eversley’s Social and Community Development transcends the conventional scope of introductory books. This work is not merely a descriptive account on the history, evolution and guiding principles of a field of science; it is, in fact, an invitation for debate and emancipation in the theory and practice of social and community development.

Dr Hewa Haji Khedir, Center for Religion, Reconciliation and Peace, University of Winchester, UK

This is a timely and relevant new book that includes history, theory and practice in a way that, to use John’s words, offers ‘roots’ and ‘routes’ to navigate the complexities of contemporary social and community development. John has provided an honest and thorough introduction to the topic, uniquely demonstrating his grappling with inter-disciplinary knowledge. Indebted to the traditions of Freire and Dewey, John has stretched my thinking into new spaces.

Dr Peter Westoby, Associate Professor of Social Science and Community Development, School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Australia