Lev Vygotsky provided the 20th century with an enticing fusion of intellectual tradition within an attempt to provide an account of the social formation of the mind. An Introduction to Vygotsky gives students an accessible overview of his work combining reprints of key journal and text articles with editorial commentary and suggested further reading. Harry Daniels considers the development of Vygotsky's work against a backdrop of political turmoil in the developing USSR. Major elements explored include use of the "culture" concept in social development theory, the development of means of describing social life, the concept of mediation and implications for teaching, learning and assesment. Academics and students at all levels will find this an essential key source of information.