"Themes and Perspectives in Nursing" is a reader focusing upon current issues relevant to the rapid changes occurring in nursing education and practice. The editors have compiled a variety of stimulating, and sometimes controversial, material on a range of topics to encourage enquiry and provoke lively debate. The four sections deal with issues concerning perceptions of nursing, education, clinical issues, and management. The differing interpretations of the Nightingale legend, the images of nursing displayed in the media, performance indicators and professional accountability, advocacy as a key element in nursing education, and "managing nurse wastage" are just some of the issues covered. "Themes and Perspectives in Nursing" provides students with material relevant for study at both undergraduate and post basic level. Nurse educators should find it a rich source of data for teaching and research, particularly in the evolving new curriculum for "Project 2000". It is also written for all health professionals who are concerned with the radical changes in health care education, practice and reform.