Book excerpt: Weisser (English, U. of Hawaii, Hilo) addresses the issue of how to move writing instruction into the public sphere. Coverage includes the historical background, recent progressive theories in composition studies on writing as a site of political and social engagement, existing theoretical conversations and how they are understood within contemporary social and cultural theory--with a focus on the work of Jurgen Habermas, the role of the intellectual in postmodern society, and the degree to which the material conditions of academic life allow for public intellectualism. For theorists, teachers, and writers at all levels. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR