This collection includes both important historical sources and contemporary analysis of current issues, representing a wide range of countries, cultures and traditions. The volumes are divided thematically and cover issues such as: * Histories and traditions * Curriculum in the early years * Education and care * Early Years practitioners* Challenges to (and from) early education The editor has written an introduction to each volume to guide the reader through this collection of papers which will provide a valuable resource for scholars who need to ground their own study in wider historical and global discourses concerning the education of children under eight.