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The current debate on the growing role of the voluntary and community or third sector in delivering public and social policy is impoverished by its lack of understanding of the historical events which have shaped the sector and its relationship with the state. This widely anticipated book draws on a range of empirical studies of aspects of the history of voluntary action to illuminate and inform this debate. Chapter contributions range across two centuries and a variety of fields of activity, geographical areas and organisational forms. Four key themes are addressed: The 'moving frontier' between the state and voluntary action; the distribution of roles and functions between them; and the nature of their inter-relationship; The 'springs' of voluntary action -- what makes people get involved in voluntary organisations or support them financially; Organisational challenges for voluntary agencies, including growth, cleaving to their missions and values, and survival; Issues of continuity and change: how and to what extent has the nature of voluntary action and its role in society remained essentially the same despite the changing context? This book is essential reading for all practitioners involved in charities and voluntary and non-profit organisations, for those who work at the interface between government and the third sector and for those who are involved in making and implementing public and social policy.