In the Beginning

Reviewing a 600 page textbook might not be everybody's favorite job for July, but I have to say that it was one I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the best possible kind of textbook, and I found it both very informative and a real pleasure to read... Much of the pleasure I got from reading this book came from its production. It is clearly laid out and beautifully printed on high quality paper, with black and white photographs and simple, elegant line drawings. Referencing is encyclopedic... Judy Rosenblith's writing is adult and courteous in tone. She leaves open issues that need to be left open, and gives firm opinions where firm opinions are possible... These are few areas of major practical or theoretical importance that are not covered in this book, and the balance between the two is excellent, as is the way their treatment is integrated. Key terms are first printed in bold, and carefully defined. As the preface correctly points out, the student needs to be aware when what they might take to be mere vocabulary represents a major concept, essential to the understanding of a point central to infancy. Throughout we have not only a summary of what is known but also a careful and clear account of the research methods used, and data are presented at an appropriate level of detail. It is these characteristics, especially, that will make this book an invaluable source for advanced undergraduate, or even graduate level teaching. Treat yourself. --R.F. Drewett in Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology Popular for its presentation of current data and its focus on methods for studying infants, the best-selling infancy text is now available in a thorough revision! New to this edition are alternative birthing techniques and their effects, neuropsychological tests for premature infants, the effects of cocaine and other ingested substances on fetal development and the infant, the latest research on the consequences of alcohol and smoking on the newborn, extended coverage of temperament, an updated look at the attachment controversy, and the most current coverage on the issue of day care for infants. Additionally, the book has been thoroughly reorganized and rewritten based on readers' feedback on the first edition. Aimed at helping students evaluate new research and understand the major issues of the field, In the Beginning, Second Edition, retains such pedagogically effective features as: presentation of major theories in the context of the general or specific issues to which they are relevant; summaries of contradictory research results with Rosenblith's view of which interpretation is best supported by the data; and practical implications of infancy research. And, whenever appropriate, cultural comparisons are made of various infant and care-giver behaviors, such as ways in which to soothe a crying infant. If you want your students to have the latest and most effectively presented look at infancy research, you'll want to reserve your copies...