ABSTRACT
In this introductory chapter the five editors lay out the genesis of the Handbook, some of their underlying axiomatic commitments, describe its structure, and discuss in detail the form and structure of its component parts. Area 1 contains chapters that outline the antecedents and current state of critical literacies. Area 2 is a global survey of critical literacy in praxis, examining work in over 23 countries. Area 3 holds future-oriented chapters that push the reader to consider what is next. They discuss the theoretical underpinnings of chapters in each area and highlight the reviews of research offered by authors in the chapters.
