* With a new and substantial essay by Will Kymlicka

Will Kymlicka collects together the most important contemporary articles on the rights of minority cultures. While drawing on particular case studies, the articles focus on the more general theoretical and normative issues raised by the accommodation of cultural differences. The authors come from a variety of countries and disciplines, and reflect a wide range of opinion. Topics include the nature and value of cultural membership, models of cultural pluralism, individual and group rights, minority representation, immigration, and secession. In his essay, Will Kymlicka outlines the major issues and perspectives raised in the articles, and places them in the context of contemporary debates in political theory. The volume also includes a guide to further reading for students and researchers working in the field.

Will Kymlicka is the Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen’s University. He is the author of seven books published by Oxford University Press, most recently Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights (2011), co-authored with Sue Donaldson. His previous books include Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (1995) and Multicultural Odysseys: Navigating the New International Politics of Diversity (2007). In 2013, he delivered the HLA Hart Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford on Animals and the Frontiers of Citizenship.

Will Kymlicka's profile page

'A timely publication ... a text which will be used almost exclusively either by those reading for a degree, or who are studying beyond first degree level.' Talking Politics

'If multiculturalism does emerge as a major topic of academic Political Theory in Britain, it will be in no small measure due to the work of the Canadian Will Kymlicka ... an essential resource for those new to the topics and to the student courses that have sprung up and will proliferate.' Political Quarterly

'In this collection he brings together seventeen of the most significant recent essays on the status of cultural minorities ... an excellent guide to current thought on cultural minorities.' Peter Jones, University of Newcastle, Political Studies, Vol. 45, No. 1, March '97

'Will Kymlicka's editorial introduction...is a masterpiece of lucid exposition which traces a thread of connection and debate through the book. Equally important in this respect is his thoughtful organization of the book which frames the subject in a clear and logical way. As a result, students as well as academics will find this an extremely useful text...This book is most notable for clarifying without oversimplifying a complex and urgent area.' Michael O'Donnell, Theoretical Criminology, Vol.1 No.4 1997

'This book provides an excellent collection of articles focusing on the most important issues confronting multiethnic and multinational societies today ... It is sorely needed in the literature and provides a brillian examination of the diverse issues involving ethnocultural and multicultural groups in our Western democracies.' Subhas Ramcharan, Canadian Public Policy

'This collection of essays has been brought together by the distinguished political theorist Will Kymlicka, to promote better theoretical understanding of the issues underlying the recent upsurge in ethnic and national consciousness and conflict.' Patrick Thornberry, International Affairs

'The Rights of Minority Cultures presents sixteen essays representative of the debate, with an introduction and a very useful guide to further reading by Kymlicka. It is the first such reader of the new debate to become available and will be an essential resource for those new to the topics and to the student courses that have sprung up and will proliferate.' Tariq Modood, Political Quarterly

'The Rights of Minority Cultures presents sixteen essays representative of the debate, with an introduction and a very useful guide to further reading by Kymlicka. It is the first such reader of the new debate to become available and will be an essential resource for those new to the topics and to the student courses that have sprung up and will proliferate.' Political Quarterly

'Kymlicka has almost instantly become one of the most discussed authors in the new political philosophy of multiculturalism ... [this book] an essential resource for those new to the topics and to the student courses that have sprung up and will proliferate.' Political Quarterly