"Stephen Ball is one of the few academics who can embrace policy, research and learning with a fierce and illuminating critical spirit." Richard Andrews, University of East Anglia "This must-read book is forensic in its analysis and points to the imperative for new thinking on education." Hugh Lauder, University of Bath "My students need a book that introduces them to policy analysis in a rigorous yet accessible manner; this is it." Meg Maguire, King's College London "Policy researchers are deeply indebted to Ball's detailed analysis that underpins the sociological contribution in this book." Helen Gunter, University of Manchester "This brilliant book should be be compulsory reading for all sociologists of education everywhere, and for all those interested in education." Bob Lingard, University of Queensland