Principles of Development
Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle and Alfonso Martinez Arias
Oxford University Press, £43.99
Now in its fifth edition, this delightful textbook introduces developmental biology in a clear and interesting way, and the authors' enthusiasm leaps out of every page. Information is presented in a logical order – it starts with history, continues with chapters on animal and plant development in the context of some key examples and exceptions, and finishes with chapters on morphogenesis, fertilisation, organogenesis, nervous system development, growth and evolution. It will be a useful reference for students of developmental biology and an enjoyable read for anyone interested in this field.