This is a re-issue of Gregory Bateson's and Mary Catherine Bateson's work, which has been out of print for the past 20 years, 2004 is the G. Bateson centennial and much interest is anticipated for his publications. This work is the final sustained thinking of Bateson. In collaboration with his daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson, this volume sets out Bateson's natural history of the relationship between ideas. The book incorporates writing by both father and daughter, including essays written by Bateson in the last years before his death. The book is a unique demonstration of thinking in progress.