McLaughlin presents a broad and scholarly survey of conversational organization which will appeal to a broad range of non-specialist readers. The book serves to keep people abreast of the fast-developing literature by providing a glossary of terms, sample conversations, an assessment of what is currently known, and guidelines for future research. The author is particularly interested in how the smaller elements in the stream of conversation are combined into a coherent whole.`McLaughlin succeeds in identifying the available material, providing an assessment, and suggesting directions for future study. Included are a helpful glossary and a very useful bibliography...advanced undergraduates and graduate students will find it very helpful. -- Choice, December 1984`...it is a solid introduction to the field and...it will serve as an excellent resource text for researchers within the discipline.' -- Contemporary Sociology, Vol 14 No 4, July 1985