A collection of original pieces written by recognised scholars in literary studies from around the world. Some of the pieces report data on access to literacy competence for various sub-national minority groups, some focus on the historical role of literacy in the maintenance or suppression of marginal groups, and some pay close attention to important policy, public, or media accounts of literacy. What gives this collection cohension is a perception of literacy education among the authors as a potent ally in programmes of both freedom and oppression, and the commitment to present ways of...