This handbook presents the perspectives of more than 60 leading authorities on the study and practice of adult and continuing education. The following are among the papers included: "A Selective History of Adult Education Handbooks" (A.L. Wilson, E.R. Hayes); "The Concept of Critically Reflective Practice" (Stephen D. Brookfield); "Linking the Individual Learner to the Context of Adult Learning" (Rosemary Caffarella, Sharan B. Merriam); "Learning from Experience in Adult Education" (Nod Miller); "Adult Learning for Self-Development and Change" (Mark Tennant); "Discourses and Cultures of Teaching" (Daniel D. Pratt, Tom Nesbit); "The Invisible Politics of Race in Adult Education" (Juanita Johnson-Bailey, Ronald M. Cervero); "Cultures of Transformation" (Ann K. Brooks); "From Functionalism to Postmodernism in Adult Education Leadership" (Joe F. Donaldson, Paul Jay Edelson); "Adult Learning and Technology" (Carol E. Kasworm, Carroll A. Londoner); "Adult Literacy" (Eunice N. Askov); "Moving beyond Performance Paradigms in Human Resource Development" (Laura L. Bierema); "Putting Meaning into Workplace Learning" (Tara J. Fenwick); "Adult Education in Rural Community Development" (Lillian H. Hill, Allen B. Moore); "Exploring 'Community' in Community College Practice" (Iris M. Weisman, Margie S. Longacre); "Control and Democracy in Adult Correctional Education" (Howard S. Davidson); "Cooperative Extension" (Glenn J. Applebee); "Distance Education for Lifelong Learning" (Chere Campbell Gibson); "English as a Second Language in Adult Education" (Richard A. Orem);"Contributions of the Military to Adult and Continuing Education" (Steve F. Klime, Clinton L. Anderson); "Older Adult Learning" (James C. Fisher, Mary Alice Wolf); "Formal Mentoring Programs" (Catherine A. Hansman); "Prior Learning Assessment: The Quiet Revolution" (Alan M. Thomas); "A Postmodern Approach to Adult Religious Education" (Leona M. English, Marie A. Gillen); "Urban Contexts for Adult Education Practice" (Barbara J. Daley, James C. Fisher, Larry G. Martin); "Adult Education and Society" (Thomas W. Heaney); "A Sociology of Adult Education" (Phyllis M. Cunningham); "The Politics of Knowledge Construction" (David Deshler, Nancy Grudens-Schuck); "Evolving Directions in Professionalization and Philosophy" (Ronald Podeschi); "Defining the Profession: A Critical Appraisal" (Susan Imel, Ralph G. Brockett, Waynne Blue James); and "The Learning Society" (John Holford, Peter Jarvis). All papers include substantial bibliographies. Concluding the handbook are lists of the contents of past handbooks. (MN)