This volume, expertly edited by Shapley and Lam. has just the right mosaic of lively and profound chapters beautifully conveying the complete picture of past and state-of-the-art, basic and clinical studies of how we detect contrast and use it to see the world. Fascinating chapters cover the science history of contrast sensitivity, its processing stages and role in the exciting story of parallel visual pathways. Don''t miss Shapley''s scholarly introductions, sharp and controversial, as usual, putting it all in perspective.