Including some 90 readings intended to promote thinking about critical reading and language issues, presumably in the context of introductory undergraduate language courses, Goshgarian (Northeastern U.) presents a new edition of his text, substantially revised to take into account a number of issues that arise in the context of September 11th and the subsequent "war on terror" and promotion of "homeland security." New to the edition are some 60% of its readings and chapters on political speech, censorship, political correctness and hate speech, and the "art of conversation." The readings are frequently paired in order to highlight differing positions and uses of words, for instance placing leftist songstress Ani Difranco's September 11th poem "self-evident" against conservative language columnist William Safire's "Nameless Event." Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less