Intended for those who want to know more about reading and how it is taught, but who will themselves probably not specialize in the teaching of reading, this book addresses such questions as (1) Why read? (2) What motivation does one have for reading? and (3) What does reading provide as a means of communication that cannot just as easily be provided by other means? The book's content is divided into six sections, with the first section--on motivation--reviewing the basic concept of language as a facet of human behavior. The second section--on concepts--treats the ability to read as a natural progression in the development of the individual human being, and further defines reading as one of the most valuable of social tools. The third section--on techniques--outlines basic approaches to the teaching of reading in most schools, while the fourth section--dealing with factors--reviews some of the many psychological, physiological, and linguistic processes and capabilities that are believed to play important roles in reading ability. The fifth section provides a historical perspective on what reading is and does, as well as what it is not and what it does not do. Finally, the sixth section examines those factors that influence reading attitudes. The book also includes a glossary of reading jargon and a list of two dozen sources, complete with names and addresses. (HOD)