how to...concatenate variables

Hi I am trying to concatenate three variables in to one variable. So we have a $nowdate that comes from a form, $historytoday that has come from a form, and $history that has come from mysql. I need to add the new history to the begining of the existing history and put it back into the database, as well as having the existing history shown next to the text box where the history today is added. I hope this makes some sort of sense! I am new and have been trying to follow it from a book, and the php manuals online but end up with this and keep getting errors $history_new =$nowdate: .$historytoday .$history; so end up with: 14.04.2003 - Added new instruction and informed client 12.04.2003 - Received product. Any help greatly appreciated Best regards James