This issue revives the “Book Notes” section. Book notes are 500-word reports that summarize new books that may be of interest to some readers of Language in Society. This format will mean that more of the books we receive can be reviewed. Book notes are assigned to people who volunteer, and advanced graduate students are welcome to write book notes with a faculty member's supervision. Anyone interested in writing a book note should contact Jennifer Andrus at langsoc@cambridge.org for a list of available books. Books that are of general interest to Language in Society readers will still be considered for full critical reviews, which I will continue to commission. Readers should keep in mind that unsolicited reviews or book notes are rarely accepted. If there is a book you would like to review, please contact me first, at the same address.
Readers may notice that there are two book notes about the same book in this issue. This is the result of confusion due to this new format, but since the two take quite different approaches I've decided to include both.
I would like to express my thanks to Craig O. Stewart, Language in Society's editorial assistant from January, 2005 through July, 2006. Craig helped me figure out how to get the editorial process organized at the beginning of my editorship. His advice and assistance were invaluable. Dr. Stewart received his Ph.D. in May, 2006, and is now Assistant Professor of English at Old Dominion University. He has been replaced by Ph.D. student Jennifer Andrus, whose research interests focus on language and the law.
