This issue of "Exploring," is devoted primarily to examination of alphabets and the languages they represent. Major articles include: "Shrinking the Alphabet" (Pat Murphy), a comparison of alphabet composition for different languages; "The Puzzle of Linear B" (Paul Doherty), a history of archaeologists' deciphering of an early form of written language; "Letters Take Shape" (Judith Brand), a comparison of letter forms and print through history and across cultures; "How Do You Spell That" (Richard Brooks), an exploration of spelling and linguistic consistency. Games, lists of further reading for most articles, regular features of the magazine (letters, reviews, and museum news), and a large wall poster (not included here) chronicling the evolution of the modern Roman alphabet are also included. (MSE)