The last 25 years have seen tremendous advances in the study of the reading process and reading acquisition. The growing body of knowledge on the reading process and reading acquisition has applications to such important problems as the prevention of reading difficulties and the identification of effective instructional practices. This book summarizes the gains that have been made in key areas of reading research and provides authoritative insights on current controversies and debates. Each of the book's seven parts (21 chapters altogether) begins with an introductory chapter presenting up-to-date findings on the topic at hand, followed by one or more "classic papers" from the author's research program. Significant issues covered include phonological processes and context effects in reading, the "reading wars" and how they should be resolved, the meaning of the term "dyslexia," and the cognitive effects and benefits of reading. Contains a bibliography of publications on reading by the author and a bibliography of his related publications in other areas. Also contains an extensive reference list. (NKA)