A well known and well respected author provides this comprehensive yet accessible text that introduces students to population issues, concepts and theories. While keeping larger population issues in perspective, the text closely examines key factors in population processes, from fertility and mortality rates to agricultural production and urbanization. Students benefit from pedagogical tools such as "Summary and Conclusions" sections, lists of each chapters' main points, and suggestions for further reading. The text addresses both population problems and potential solutions, and engages students with intriguing essays, interesting examples, and up-to-date Internet resources. The text is the most comprehensive book on the market, encompassing the entire field of demography, including principle and practice: Chapters 1 - 8 provide the framework and tools while Chapters 9 - 13 apply these tools and demographic perspectives to real-world situations. The text is a classic in the field, and is respected for its comprehensive and contemporary approach.