This is a book which will be of use to anyone who either wants to know the breadth of the uses to which biographical research can be, and has been, put. The editors have gathered together a number of internationally renowned biographical researchers and theorists to give examples of their research using such methods. It is well-written, easy to read, and is essential reading for all those wishing to pursue such research themselves. The examples are mainly from a West European, particularly German, perspective but this does not detract from their utility in other contexts. For those with a theoretical or practical interest in the breadth of biographically grounded research, then this book will provide much food for thought. For others, it will provide an exciting look into the world of biographical work and its wide possibilities. It deserves its place in the Routledge Social Research Today series of texts. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0204261