A Reader in Promoting Public Health brings together a selection of readings that reflect and challenge current thinking in the field of multidisciplinary public health. The chapters address issues that are high on the agenda of public health and the book will develop readers' understanding of this dynamic field.

The book is organised into five sections:

" Theory and Concepts in Promoting Public Health introduces the history and theoretical context of public health;

" Deconstructing and Reconstructing Public Health challenges concepts of public health;

" Researching Health analyses the links between research and current practice, showing how research influences public health policy initiatives;

" Promoting Public Health through Public Policy examines the global context of promoting public health through policy;

" Promoting Public Health at a Local Level explores public health and health promotion in a participatory and community context.

A Reader in Promoting Public Health is an authoritative text that offers an up-to-date and cutting edge approach to the subject. It will be essential reading for all students of public health and health promotion, as well as for health and social care professionals.

A Reader in Promoting Public Health is a Course Reader for the Open University Course Promoting Public Health: Skills, Perspectives and Practice (K311).

The editors are all based at The Open University. Jenny Douglas is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Care; Sarah Earle is a Lecturer in Health and Social Care; Stephen Handsley is a Lecturer in Health and Social Care; Cathy Lloyd is a Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care; Sue Spurr is a Course Manager in the Faculty of Health and Social Care.