Noting that although the causes of violence are highly complex and multifaceted, this book argues that a growing body of scientific knowledge demonstrates that maltreatment during the 9 months of fetal growth and the first 24 months after birth often leads to violent older children and adults. Following an introduction, the book contains the following chapters: (1) "Ghosts from the Nursery"; (2) "Grand Central: Early Brain Anatomy and Violence"; (3) "Before We Know It: Prenatal Exposure to Drugs and Malnutrition"; (4) "Love's Labor Lost: Adverse Experiences in the Womb and at Birth"; (5) "Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick: The Disruptive Behavior Disorders"; (6) "Tea for Two: The Role of Temperament"; (7) "Baby, Get Your Gun: The Impact of Trauma and Head Injury"; (8) "The Hand That Rocks: The Impact of Early Emotional Deprivation"; (9) "Where's Poppa?" discusses the role of fathers, or of their absence, in violent outcomes; (10) "All the King's Horses," on the lack of coordination among services; and (11) "And Still We Wait," on the barriers to much needed family centered legislation and social policy change that would address the trend toward violence. The book contains the following appendices: (1) "Factors Associated with Violent Behavior That Can Be Modified or Prevented by Early Intervention"; (2) "Myths about the Human Brain"; (3) "Behavioral Effects Following Prenatal Drug Exposure"; (4) "The Primary Prevention of Violence: A Continuum of Programs"; and (5) "Resources." (Contains 231 references.) (LPP)