Marcum a student and friend of Thomas Kuhn (1922-1996) as well as a philosophy professor at Baylor, presents an overview of Kuhn's life, work and influence. Kuhn was a theoretical physicist who turned to the philosophy of science. Over a number of years he formulated a philosophy of science that ceased to simply explain completed theories and discoveries. Rather, he saw the philosophy as "a dynamic process by which theories are tested and assimilated into the professional literature." Along the way he coined a phrase used in fields as disparate as poetry and politics, "paradigm shift". Kuhn's theories were not always greeted with enthusiasm. Despite his obvious affection for his subject, Marcum addresses the criticisms with objectivity. This well-written study, now in a paperback edition, would be useful in classrooms of many disciplines if the price were significantly reduced. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)