This reader documents the growing debate about health and wellbeing. Some 'new voices' speak from neglected lay experiences and values; others are challenging medical perspectives 'from within'. Competing perspectives on health beseige familiar areas of everyday life: our bodies, the home and workplace. Health goals are increasingly debated on wider agendas in social planning: in the marketing of lifestyles, in transport policies, and in the appraisal of alternative futures. But prospects for health are bound up with social equity, international justice, and global sustainability - as well as with the 'journey of hope' of the individuals who struggle to survive.

'The strength of the selection lies in its deliberate attempt to include new voices in the debate... There is no didactic theme which links the pieces: the range is intentionally and successfully provocative... an excellent source book for many tutors. Others working in health who enjoy shaking up their ideas should beg, borrow or buy a copy.' - Health Service Journal

ALAN BEATTIE is a health researcher, health planner and health educator who has worked in the National Health Service and for a variety of voluntary agencies, and has taught health and welfare studies at London University. He is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Lancaster University. His research interests include community development for health and the politics of health information.

MARJORIE GOTT is a healthcare training and research consultant, specialising in the field of health promotion in an international context. She is the author of several academic texts and open learning materials in health promotion.

LINDA JONES is a Lecturer in the Department of Health and Social Welfare at The Open University. She has research interests in late Victorian social policy-making and urban history and in contemporary health policy.

MOYRA SIDELL is a Research Fellow and Lecturer in the Department of Health and Social Welfare at the Open University. Her research interests are women's health, the health of older people, and alcohol misuse.