This rich and lucid book integrates research language drawing on published (and unpublished) resources of contemporary breadth as well as time depth. The open--minded, data grounded view of phonological development taken here places it in a setting of infantsa affective, communicative and perceptual development. The history of the field is clearly presented, with an enormous wealth of experimental, observational, and theoretical references as well as appendices of supporting data. No sophistication in the knowledge of phonetics or phonology is presupposed. Lise Menn, University of Colorado Her book is like the insidera s guide to a strange but inviting place. Throughout this journey, Vihman is an able guide, accurate reporter, insightful interpreter, and imaginative synthesizer. Her even--handed perspective brings competing theories into clear relief, and shows how various sources of data stand in respect to each other. Vihman transcends disciplinary boundaries and shows how various specialities converge in the contemporary study of developmental phonology. Ray Kent, University of Wisconsin--Madison