Brock (comparative and international education, U. of Oxford, UK) and Alexiadou (education, U. of Umea, Sweden) present an introductory text for individuals beginning to study or take an interest in comparative and international education, from undergraduate and graduate students to teachers of various levels, educational administrators, politicians, and professionals in non-government organizations. The text also functions as an introductory volume to the Education Around the World series, with individual texts focusing on specific regions and countries. Brock and Alexiadou's volume covers the history and development of the field; its importance today; scale, both temporal and spatial, as a fundamental methodological issue; national and international educational development; and analysis of selected regions: Europe, sub-Sahara Africa, and the emerging "giants" in global power, influence, and population size--Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)