Since the original publication of "Play" in 1977, dramatic economic and social changes have resulted in a marked increase in the number of young children from diverse backgrounds enrolled in group child-care programs, a trend that has created a need for a better understanding of play and its significance for the growing child. Over the same period, researchers studying child development have become even more interested in the relationship between play and children's well-being. In this enlarged edition of "Play," Catherine Garvey explores some of the more promising new directions in the study of play and summarizes the findings of recent research.