Davis is full of valuable advice for every prospective doctoral student/candidate. From the selection of dissertation topic through to the publication of the research report, it speaks to the essential mindset and strategy necessary to produce a good dissertation within the allowed time limit and consequently launch ourselves into a successful career of scholarly work. I particularly warm to the advice that we consider the dissertation as an integral part of our plan for a scholarly career—the discipline acquired doing the doctoral research will be crucial in that career. On the other hand, if we fail to conclude the dissertation, the planned scholarly career may never really kick off.

Davis advises on the use of a systematic approach geared toward planning and careful management of the whole dissertation process. This approach requires a good appreciation of the hurdles that lie ahead, how we can best draw on the advice and mentoring of the advisor and committee, a good sense of relevant research resources to employ, and the overarching importance of a time management approach to the work involved. Providing statistics on the distributions of dissertation time and size, the book makes clear that dissertation work is serious business and not to be considered as just another term paper. In a word, it cautions that we never take a lackadaisical position regarding our dissertation. Indeed, we are already at our own predissertation stage! 

Like Booth and Robson, this is an invaluable companion for every doctoral student/candidate.