From their experience as co-chairs of the New England Knowledge Conferences on nursing, Sr. Roy (Boston College) and Jones (affiliation unspecified) introduce 23 perspectives on integrating traditional problem-solving and process-oriented approaches in the field with newer routes to knowledge (e.g., a meta-analysis of domain concepts via computer software). International contributors treat issues in contemporary nursing education and practice; philosophical underpinnings of a new synthesis; and specific holistic approaches, with examples of their impact at the individual patient care and systems levels. The brief history of the New England Knowledge Conferences, 1984-2001, is provided. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)