Eighteen contribution discuss the nature of universities emerging in different parts of the world, the conditions which shape and constrain them, their common features, and the main faultlines which define their differences. Three major topics run through the what counts as important knowledge, the nature of access and participation, and the forms of management and organization. Particularly important themes are the advance of globalization and the impact of technology. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)