Michael Young has been involved in such initiatives as the Consumers' Association and the Open University. This is a collection of essays presented to Young on his 80th birthday. The contributors such as Asa Briggs reflect on the range and influence of Young's work.

Michael Young is one of the leading and most imaginative citizens of this century, involved in many of its key movements and issues. His books like the Rise of the Meritocracy have altered how we think, and his social inventions like the Consumers' Association have changed how we live. Politically he has been the driving force behind a number of public initiatives like the Open University.

This collection of essays is presented to Michael on his eightieth birthday by colleagues and associates who have worked with him over the years, as a tribute to his achievements and the inspiration he has given.

The contributors write from a wide variety of angles, reflecting the enormous range of Michael's work and the diverse nature of his influence. Readers familiar with only some of his activities will be astonished by the breadth of his interests, and by the gentle energy which continues to drive him as strongly as ever, nearly sixty years after his first book.

The book will be of interest to all those concerned about issues of democracy, social justice and the empowerment of citizens. It also offers insights into how a leading social innovator works, and what it is like to work with one.