This book presents articles that deal with literacy, both in a scientific, as well as in a practical and experiential way. Papers in the book are: "Opening Address" (Birgitta Ulvhammar); "Illiteracy: A Global Problem" (Eve Malmquist); "Swedish Cooperation with Developing Countries in the Field of Literacy" (Agneta Lind); "The International Literacy Year in Sweden--A Journey through a Changing Landscape" (Kenneth Abrahamsson); "A Decade of Reading Research in Sweden" (Ingvar Lundberg); "Who Takes the Second Chance?" (Staffan Larsson); "Reading Our Future--Swedish Policies for Adult Literacy, Work Transformation and Active Citizenship" (Kenneth Abrahamsson); "Weak Readers in the Swedish Upper Secondary School" (Margareta Grogarn); "Alphabeta-Varia-Some Roots of Literacy in Various Countries" (Egil Johansson); "I Have Reading and Writing Difficulties" (Eva Karlstrom); "The Parents' Role in Children's Literacy Development" (Berit Almqvist); "Coping with Dyslexia in a Literate Society--Working Strategies used by Students at Harnosand Folk High School" (Berit Ostman); "The Witting Method--A Method for Reading and Writing Instruction" (Ann-Catrin Akerman); and "Writing Books that Children Read" (Inger Sandberg). (RS)