Chasing Eden is about seekers, Americans searching for their Eden, longing for a Promised Land, a utopia somewhere out on the horizon. With his usual deep perception, humor, and grace, Howard Mansfield writes about "a small gathering of Americans" united by longing and devotion in their search for something perfect here on earth, a goal that is ever receding. Mansfield illuminates how this longing – for God, for freedom, for peace – can be found in every era, and gives form and force to our lives in our pursuit of happiness –  "the primary occupation of every American."