Brooks and Prysby have integrated and synthesized diverse existing research and offer a thorough introduction to the effects of context--defined here as a geographically bounded social unit--on individuals' political behavior. The volume first presents a general framework and a theory of contextual effects, discusses methodological problems unique to this field of study, and proposes a conceptual framework to guide future research. The volume challenges prevailing emphases and approaches--stressing the utility of an information-flow approach to contextual effects and new methodological strategies.