112 Book reviews/Aquatic Botany 50 (1995) 111-115 In a field of such breadth, of course, even 1000 or more citations do not cover the literature comprehensively. In this regard, Dr. Kirk explains that his selection was made "on the basis of usefulness as illustrative examples". Nonetheless, readers seeking to explore the details of any of the topics addressed, including their historic background, will soon be led to the large numbers of "equally valuable" works that could not be identified directly. Similarly, in a treatment of this kind with its focus on the underlying phenomena affecting light in aquatic systems, its biological utilization and ecological effects, the reader should not expect to find detailed descriptions of the physical and biological circumstances in each of the many particular segments of the aquatic environment. Information on individual systems is provided only to the extent that it contributes to understanding of a more general kind. To that end, the approach used is both effective and concise. Even so, it is a little surprising to find that discussion did not extend to conditions which are certainly aquatic but in which the photosynthetic apparatus itself is not submerged. Plant communities of this kind are extensive and significant in terms of primary production. Fuller attention to the penetration of light through frozen and sometimes also snow-covered interfaces also would have been well justified both for lakes and polar seas. Other non-trivial topics could be suggested. On the whole, however, Light and Photosynthesis in Aquatic Ecosystems admirably fulfills its purpose. It should be considered essential reading for all aquatic scientists and, indeed, for anyone with an interest in better understanding of primary biological processes within a major part of the global environment. The price being asked for the volume seems to me most reasonable. JOHN BUNT 212 Lower Plateau Road Bilgola NSW 2107 Australia Comparative reservoir limnology and water quality management Comparative Reservoir Limnology and Water Quality Management. M. Straskraba, J.G. Tundisi and A. Duncan,(Editors), Developments in Hydrobiology 77, Kluwer, Dor- drecht, 1993, 291 pp., ISBN 0-7923 1919-2. This book originated at the International Conference on Reservoir Limnology and Water Quality Management at Cesk6 Budejovice in August 1987. The editors concluded that the Conference Proceedings alone were not enough to satisfactorily deal with the information which came available at this meeting of limnologists and water quality engineers. This volume of Developments in Hydrobiology aims at the same kind of audience. Rather boldly stated at the back, this issue '...draws information from all over the world and is relevant to the whole world'.