Keating DP, Hertzman C, eds. Developmental Health and the Wealth of Nations: Social, biological and educational dynamics. New York: Guildford Press, 1999.

This major synthesis tries to integrate social ordering concepts with human development. Recognition is given to the important first few years of one's life on their future heatlh. Modernity's paradox is introduced: material abundance yet apparent threats to healthy human development. Health and well-being are population phenomena, and the steepness of the socioeconomic health gradient a critical factor in outcomes. There are two models of social circumstances to consider as major factors for explaining population health. The latency model postulates that early events in life have strong impacts later that are independent of interventions. The pathways model emphasizes the cumulative effect of life events. The multi-authored book has four parts titled: The gradient effect in developmental health, Fundamental processes: Biology and Development, Human Development and the Learning Society, The Ecology of Child Development: Lessons for a learning society. The material is especially useful for health departments in trying to utilize population health ideas.