The merits of the book are that it is short and well written with ‘think questions’ at the end of each chapter. A newcomer to the subject can quickly get a feel for the practical issues faced by plant breeders and the underlying scientific principles upon which decisions are based. Thus breeding objectives, breeding schemes, modern techniques and practical considerations are considered and related to the reproductive biology of crop species and types of cultivars that are produced. Selection theory and practice are dealt with in detail. The dilemma faced in writing books on plant breeding is what genetic knowledge and expertise to assume in the readership. The authors have opted for two chapters in the centre of the book, one on genetics and plant breeding which covers basic qualitative genetics and quantitative genetics, and the other on predictions which covers heritability and diallel crossing designs. One can argue over whether or not appendices would provide a better solution by not interrupting the main flow of the text. A short book cannot do full justice to a subject and hence future editions would benefit from suggestions for further reading and key references, particularly for data presented in the text.