From the reviews: "This book is therefore most welcome, also because it has been written by one of the few top researchers in this field covering both geology and biology ... . a text book for students or a reference work for specialists. The book might serve as both ... and it will serve well. ... The book ends with an 8-page list of references and an 18-page (!) well thought-over index. ... In general, the figures are well chosen. ... Conclusion: worth to be bought ... ." (A. J. van Loon, Geologos, Vol. 16 (4), 2010) "Nora Noffke has produced an excellent text book covering a relatively recently developed field - the study of microbial mats in shallow water environments. ... The book is well laid out and the text is clear and well-written ... . Noffke has a fluid style that is a pleasure to read. ... I recommend it to both the general reader, as a good introduction to MISS, and to the dedicated student of MISS in the geological record." (Frances Westall, Geological Magazine, February, 2011) "Noffke's book provides a state-of-the-art perspective on an important line of geobiological research ... . As geobiologists and astrobiologists think about how to apply and sharpen the tools afforded by MISS, we can be thankful that Nora Noffke has provided us with a detailed but accessible road map for continuing research." (Andrew H. Knoll, Astrobiology, Vol. 11 (1), 2011) "Nora Noffke deals systematically with ... microbially-induced sedimentary structures on Earth, both in the modern environment, and in fossil deposits of all ages. ... Extensively referenced and laid out in a logical and methodical manner, the reader is provided with all the information they need to understand the concepts, and this is communicated in a clear and friendly way. ... To an interested layperson, with no prior knowledge of microbiology ... the book contains all they need to know to gain a thorough understanding." (Leila Battison, Astrobiology Society of Britain, September, 2010)
