The articles collected in this special issue of "Reading"offer a response to and elaboration of the report of the Bullock Committee on reading. An editorial introduction describes the focus and implications of the report and outlines the committee's main recommendations. Included in the discussion are the following articles: "Theoretical Overview," by John Downing, summarizing the political origins of the report; "Early Reading," by Geoffrey Roberts; "Reading in the Later Years," by Joyce M. Morris; "Language and Talk," by Asher Cashdan; "Linguistic Perspectives," by David Crystal, "Remedial Aspects," by Ronald Gulliford; and "Teacher Education," by Donald Moyle. (KS)