Susskind (urban and environmental planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology), along with mediator/facilitator Sarah McKearnan and writer/editor Jennifer Thomas-Larmer, has compiled a reference guide to building agreement in groups. A short guide (intended for use as an alternative to Robert's Rules of Order) summarizes the essential steps and procedures involved in building consensus. Seventeen chapters describe the phases, facets, and forms of consensus building, explaining how to reach agreement. Case studies, with commentaries by nine experts in related fields, illustrate the variety of settings in which consensus building can be successfully employed. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)