The editors of this book, avoiding the pitfalls of advocacy, present a wide range of essays reflecting many aspects of this activity and the varied ways countries and cultures in the "South" are responding, as well as several pieces from the bioprospector's viewpoint. As with any compilation, the readability of individual pieces varies; however, the breadth of focus and the range of material from practical, legal, and scientific examples to philosophic and ethical discussions provides an excellent introduction to the issue.
