Packer (film/video and media studies, Pennsylvania State U.) and Robertson (communication studies, Northeastern U.) compile 10 essays discussing the influence of scholar James Carey on the field of communication in terms of intellectual history, communications and transportation, and cultural studies. Engaging with his ideas, scholars in communications studies from the US and New Zealand, explore Carey's views relating to John Dewey and Michel Foucault, his cultural model of communication, the telegraph and its influence, public life, and technology. Included are two chapters containing a conversation between Carey and one of his former students. The book originated from a panel at the meeting of the National Communication Association in 2001. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)