'The 'Overview' consists of three concise chapters covering the basics of the Tertiary world with respect to its chronology, climate, geography and vegetation and the subsequent fauna of the Pleistocene. It is my opinion that these chapters should be required reading for any new graduate student undertaking research on North American Tertiary mammals. Context is essential to understanding the importance of our work, and you cannot go wrong with such a concise but detailed look at these three essential aspects of the setting. … As someone whom has actively and regularly used this book (usually copies owned by libraries or by others) ever since it was first published (when I was an undergraduate just beginning serious regular research), I can honestly say that this re-issue will prove to be a wise move on the part of the publishers and a much-needed opportunity for students and all of us to get our hands on this wonderfully organised resource.' B. L. Beatty, www.PalArch.nl