Instructors: Please click here to request a review copy of this title for adoption consideration.Desk copies are available by calling 1-800-818-7243.A systematic, clear introduction to the expanding field of Childhood Studies. Valuable entries including Agency, Play and Welfare introduce key ideas and explore interwoven multi-disciplinary themes. Definitions, summaries and key words are developed and cross-referenced by the book's intelligent organisation and flow to explain in-depth issues as respected pioneers Alison James and Adrian James offer students and specialists: " Lucid accounts of the key concepts " Authoritative and reliable data " Accessible text format The book is an ideal primer and refresher for students of Childhood Studies. Alison James is Professor in Sociology and Adrian James is Professor in Social Work, both at The University of Sheffield. 'This is a superb introduction to the fascinating field of childhood studies. A series of well chosen entries provide concise summaries of key ideas, and accessible introductions to some highly complex issues. The authors brilliantly weave together their different themes with their use of cross-referencing, so that the whole is even richer than the individual parts. I would recommend it to any beginning student of Childhoods Studies, as well as more advanced ones' -" Nigel Thomas, Professor of Childhood and Youth Research, University of Central Lancashire