This is major work whose aim is to provide a comprehensive review of all aspects of geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism as the subjects are currently understood. With well over 200 contributors, all specialists in their particular field, it is hardly surprising that the individual articles are both current and sufficiently detailed to satisfy most users of such a volume. However each article also provides a sound starting reference list for those wishing to pursue things to a greater depth. While it is impossible to bring attention to the complete scope of such a work it was a pleasure to find the many short biographies of leading historical contributors to the field which helps put the development of the subject into perspective.

The editors have obviously worked hard to ensure that the articles are well illustrated, well written and comprehensible to the reader. While I cannot see this book being on many individual's bookshelves, given its high cost, I do believe that it is an indispensible library tool for graduates, academics and professionals alike involved in the application or study of geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism. For those already involved in a particular aspect of this broad discipline it provides a useful pathway to allied subjects.