Drawn both from relatively early sources and from the work of contemporary writers, these 48 papers encompass the purpose, problems, and potential of the correspondence study (CS) method. Essays by William Rainey Harper and William Lighty on the nature and origins of CS are followed by descriptions of four early experiments in taking instruction to homebound children and nonschool adults. Other sections cover the operation of CS programs by universities, the armed services, and other institutions in society; difficulties in gaining academic acceptance and recognition; basic problems in CS instruction and learning; applications of new technology and systems; questions of theory or rationale; current CS research; and issues in the state of the art. Finally, the distinctive features of correspondence study in Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Scandinavia, Japan, Malaysia, the Soviet Union, the United States, East Germany, West Germany, and the Netherlands, are discussed. The book includes numerous chapter bibliographies. (LY)