Marking the centenary of Catholic social teaching, this is the single most comprehensive available collection of primary documents from Pope Leo XIII's historic Rerum Novarum (1891) to John Paul II's recent Centesimus Annus (1991). Along with the complete texts of every essential papal encyclical, this volume also includes the important documents of the American bishops on peace and the economy. Every document is preceded by an introductory essay and helpful notes, making it an exceptional reference and teaching tool. Catholic Social Thought is indispensable for scholars and students, religious and lay people, and everyone concerned with the official statements of the Catholic church on social issues and world peace.