This is the fourth edition of a book that has been widely acknowledged as the higher-level ecology text of choice throughout the world for almost 20 years. The latest revision has been the most extensive so far. With discussion of around 750 new references to recent studies, "Begon, Townsend and Harper" moves from first principles to a vivid reflection of our understanding of ecology in the 21st century. But any tendency to become overwhelming has been avoided: judicious editing has ensured that this edition is significantly shorter and more focused than previously, and thorough redesigning has made the text more accessible visually. The section and chapter structure of the book has also been reshaped with, in particular, three new applied chapters reflecting the coming of age of a rigorous, scientific approach to the ecological problems now facing mankind. "