'This book is a landmark of Australian science. It is one of the fundamental elements on which research, planning and policy development are built. David A. Keith leads a group of Australia's foremost plant ecologists to produce the new edition. It is an outstanding achievement. It provides a clarity of writing and level of scientific rigour that equals or exceeds any equivalent endeavour internationally. Part I explains the origins of and the forces acting on the Australian vegetation. Part II describes the sixteen primary vegetation types and subtypes, and includes their interactions, conservation challenges and practical management. Quite simply, this is a great book.' Mark Burgman, Imperial College London