Smith reviews a book based on an analysis of at least 11 distinct data sets from empirical studies on intergenerational mobility and status attainment. A few key themes of more than general interest are discussed from each chapter. First, chapters 3-6 are discussed, which Smith considers the best of the book and which trace the main paths of social mobility from the family to the job. According to Smith, these chapters share a common analytical framework; that is, success is measured by current earnings and occupational status, and determinants of success are divided into four broad areas--family background, cognitive skills, noncognitive skills, and years of schooling. He then discusses the chapters individually, relative to their treatment of these four areas. Brief overviews follow of the remaining chapters on questions peripheral to the main theme of the book in both content and statistical methods--race differences in earnings, relationship between male and family income, and comparability of research studies relying on different data sets compiled by separate survey organizations. The review ends with a discussion of the comparison of this book with its predecessor,"Inequality," by the senior author. (YLB)