Literacy is a comprehensive textbook which provides students and researchers with support for advanced study of the topic. It introduces readers to a broad range of approaches to understanding literacy in educational contexts and in society. Literacy: * integrates psychological, educational and anthropological approaches to literacy and its consequences for individuals and society * gathers together influential readings from key names in this inter-disciplinary field, including: Catherine Snow, David Olson, and Mike Cole * presents teachers, students and researchers with many diverse opportunities to explore for themselves a broad range of perspectives and methods of study. Written by experienced teachers and researchers in the field, Literacy is an essential textbook for students and researchers of Applied Linguistics.