A new book has recently appeared on the palynological shelf. It has immediately attracted the attention and interest of scientists working in palynology as it takes a substantial step in current knowledge on pollen morphology. This book continues the well-established tradition of a series of such valuable issues that has started several decades ago in 1950 with the printing of the "Textbook of Modern Pollen Analysis" by K. Faegri and J. Iversen. The author Prof. Hans-Jurgen Beug is among the outstanding palynologists who is successfully working in the broad field of theoretical and applied palynology. This book is a culmination of his profound knowledge and hard work for many years in attempt to provide the palynological community with a modern valuable tool in identification of pollen types common to Central Europe and adjacent areas.

It is well known by palynologists that detailed knowledge on pollen morphology serves as essential feedback in all aspects of this branch of botanical science ranging from pollen analysis of sediments to honey research and pollen risk forecast.

The introductory chapter of the book presents the methodology in the preparation of pollen slides for observations and measurements with light microscope including laboratory treatment of specimens, hints in taking the microphotographs, a glossary of the most important pollen-morphological terms and nomenclature used, identification keys to basic sculptural types and pollen classes, a list of plant genera from Southern Europe (including North Africa and Asia Minor) and also recognizable in middle-european Pliocene flora. This background has resulted in the construction of a harmonious system of identification keys and comprehensive descriptions of more than 500 pollen types illustrated by 120 high-quality plates with microphotographs, 29 figures and 12 tables.

Beyond doubt this book will be also of invaluable help to palynologists working in the southern parts of Europe, the Balkans included, as the need of such a complete guide for precise pollen determination in areas with rich floras was felt for many years. It will also stimulate future regional pollen-morphological studies and hence the development of all interdisciplinary trends of modern palynology.

The efforts of the publisher to produce this high-quality book also deserve admiration. The graphical design of the book complements the scientific information and guarantees the success of this fundamental work in the palynological community not only in Europe but also worldwide.