Book excerpt: Pioneering Theories in Nursing traces the origins of nursing theories through their founders. Unlike other nursing theory texts, this book provides the personal story on some of the greatest nursing leaders, clinicians and theorists to date so the reader can understand the context within which the nursing pioneer developed their theory. It will attempt to explain the theories and practice of nursing and provide food for thought for students and practitioners, encouraging reflective thinking. Each section begins with an overview of the chapters and identifies common themes. Designed to be highly user-friendly, each chapter follows a standard structure with a short biography, a summary on their special interests and an outline of their writings before each theory is examined in detail. The chapter then looks at instances of how this theory has been put into practice and what influence this process has had on the wider nursing community. Further links to other theorists are provided as well as key dates in the life of the theorists and a brief profile.