Review of Harriet Luria, Deborah M. Seymour and Trudy Smoke, editors, 2006, 'Language and linguistics in context: readings and applications for teachers': Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 427 pp. $49.95 (PB). ISBN 0-8058-5500-9

This collection of thirty-three chapters is 'designed for a range of courses in English and language arts, bilingualism, applied linguistics and ESL courses in teacher education programs'. The readings, all reprinted from other sources, are diverse not only in topic but also in level of assumed knowledge and in degree of linguistic formalism. The stated aim of the book is to achieve both breadth and depth, providing a 'big picture' view of basic linguistics while being specific enough for the beginner. These are ambitious goals, and it is clear that the editors set themselves a lofty aim in attempting to appeal to such a wide range of needs.