The Routledge International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development, Volume I Conceptualizing and Defining Character

"Over the years, I've read a lot of edited volumes on character development. Most include chapters on theories of moral development as well as how families, schools, sports, and adult mentors serve to form and shape the positive character of children and teens. Yet The Routledge Handbook includes thought-provoking chapters on how character development intersects with economics, sociology, law, theology, political science, and epigenetics (these are just a few of the academic disciplines featured). I want to express my gratitude to each of the 177 individuals who contributed to the Handbooks. Their scholarship will serve as an inspiration and steppingstone to scores of future educators, scholars, and researchers. Both Rich and Mike are scholars of the first rank. But their steeled commitment to invite and graciously welcome prolific scholars and researchers into our noble field is undoubtedly their superpower. I truly believe we are stronger together!"

- Dr.

"This modern encyclopedia of character is a treasure. I have immense respect for its editors and authors, as well as the breadth of topics and how they have been organized. Most of all, I love the interdisciplinary approach represented in these two volumes. I know I will turn, again and again, to the chapters in this Handbook for knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration."

- Angela Duckworth, CEO of the Character Lab and bestselling author of Grit

"This Handbook is greatly needed at this time in history when basic principles of honesty and integrity seem to take a backseat to self-interest and personal financial or political gain."

- Admiral James Stavridis, U.S. Navy (Retired), former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and author of To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision and coauthor of 2034: A Novel of the Next World War

"This multi-faceted, far-reaching Handbook succeeds on many fronts. It captures the classic concerns of character that sages have examined for centuries and the vibrant contemporary work that scholars are producing at this moment... It has no near equivalent as a resource for anyone wishing to review the present state of knowledge about this most crucial dimension of human life."

- William Damon, Director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence and author of The Path to Purpose

"Matthews and Lerner's monumental two-volume International Handbook of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Character Development provides a timely and engrossing compendium of everything you ever wanted to know about character virtues-what they are, what they presage, how and where they are manifest, and how they can best be promoted and nurtured at all ages as well as in all contexts and cultures. The volumes comprise a finely written tour-de-force that will appeal especially to academics, parents, teachers, cultural critics, and those in positions of leadership throughout society even as they underscore how elusive these virtues have become in our fractured world."

- Michael E. Lamb, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Emeritus Fellow, Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

"Understanding and promoting moral character may seem like gentle, uncontroversial goals. Yet, moral character is under serious threat in the world today, and these goals are as urgent as they've ever been. These extravagantly comprehensive volumes draw from virtually all disciplines to provide the best thinking and evidence to guide our efforts to strengthen collective and individual character. As a wonderful bonus, the handbook ends with unique resources on character-infused leadership in military professions and portraits of university-based and other centers for the study and promotion of character."

- Anne Colby, author of Educating Citizens and The Power of Ideals

"To the great credit of the editors, they have taken an interdisciplinary approach to this topic, which is becoming increasingly important in today's world. The result is a highly comprehensive work with up-to-date findings - a vital resource for researchers and practitioners shaping character education worldwide."

- Hubert Annen, Head of Military Psychology and Military Pedagogy Studies, Swiss Military Academy at ETH Zurich

"These knowledgeable and nuanced discussions of important topics from multidisciplinary perspectives of character and virtue will provide graduate students, researchers, and academicians with a valuable overview on a worldwide scale. Excellent resource for scholars at all levels."

- Updesh Kumar, Scientist 'G' & Head Mental Health Division, DIPR, DRDO, Delhi, India