'What a joy to read. This book acts as a reminder of some of the seminal pieces of research in volunteering, still used by practitioners today and carried out by the biggest names in the field, all through the much-loved Institute for Volunteering Research. There is a steely edge though especially where essays look towards potential areas of research; often reflecting that these essential questions haven't changed even whilst policy positions have.' - Ruth Leonard, Chair of the UK's Association of Volunteer Managers (AVM)

An insightful read reflecting the ebbs and flows of volunteering policy and practice. It also highlights the resilience of an organisation and those connected to it who believe in volunteering and the power of research to extend our understanding about a phenomenon that is timeless and yet ever changing.' - Wendy Osborne BA OBE, Senior Consultant, International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE)

"What seems 'common sense' today took years of power and knowledge to become so. If you want to understand what makes people give their time to others, you stand on the shoulders of giants. If you want to understand where giants come from, read on..." - Michael Ashe, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea

"The volunteering community, policymakers, researchers and practitioners, across Europe in the CEV Network and beyond, has benefited hugely from the work of IVR. The contribution to the success of the European Year of Volunteering 2011 and its legacy through freely sharing its evidence-base for volunteering has contributed immeasurably to the development and understanding of quality volunteering across Europe." - Gabriella Civico, Director, Centre for European Volunteering (CEV)