In this seminal work, the authors provide the first systematic exploration of the philosophical foundations and the historical development of qualitative inquiry. Thorough yet accessible, this volume is an indispensable tool for language and literacy researchers--novices and experts alike. Using a "genealogical" approach, the authors: Discuss key philosophical concepts and traditions central to various theories, approaches, and strategies of qualitative inquiry. Offer a broad introduction to prominent theorists and researchers who contributed to the emergence and proliferation of qualitative inquiry as a strategic force within educational research, including Dell Hymes, Shirley Brice Heath, Courtney Cazden, Ruth Behar, Norman Denzin, and Patti Lather. Provide annotations of both classic and contemporary studies of language and literacy practice that represent major approaches to qualitative inquiry. Argue that qualitative inquiry has become a "transdisciplinary metadiscourse" that now drives research across many disciplines.