This monumental work far exceeds the scope of its predecessor, Crocker & Christian’s Ecology and Biogeography of Australia (1959). It is a testimony to the boom in biogeographic research in Australia, triggered by Plate Tectonics. This theory sheds new light on the biogeography of the southern hemisphere in which the island continent Australia occupies a key position. It must be borne in mind, however, that in all reconstructions of the world’s landsurface in the past there is no concensus on many points of vital detail regarding time and space. The only critical note in this respect is worded by Me Dowall (chapter 46). There are 69 chapters divided over eight parts. A complete review would occupy too much space and a selection had to be made.