"Over the last three decades, the authors' names have become synonymous with detailed studies of seed germination and dormancy. stands out among the numerous volumes on germination because it is satisfyingly pervaded by the Baskins' understanding that, like any other trait, seed dormancy evolves. One of the book's major contributions [are] the tables that collectively list hundreds of species, their dormancy types, and some aspects of their dormancy. ...should be on the bookshelf of any ecologist, evolutionist, or theoretician who needs to know how seeds can be coaxed to get on with the rest of their life." ( ) "If you are intersted in seeds, their germination ecology, or evolution of seed plants, and do not already own this book, I encourage you to buy it for yourself and also order a copy for your library... virtually all pertinent studies of which I am aware of are included. I believe this book belongs on the desk of everyone interested in seed biology. We can each select defining books...that set the standard for many years to come, (but) this on seed ecology and evolution...will have staying power, and fills an important niche. We are indebted to the Baskins for their fine contribution, surely a labor of love, to the seed literature." (Mary A. Leck in "Baskin covers the ecology, biogeography, and evolution of dormancy and germination of seeds. Chapters treat ecologically meaningful germination studies; types of seed dormancy; germination; ecology of seeds with nondeep physiological dormancy; germination ecology of seeds with morphophysiological dormancy; germination of seeds with physical dormancy; germination ecology of seeds in the persistent seed bank; causes of within-species variation in seed dormancy and germination characteristics; a geographical perspective on germination ecology: tropical and subtropical zones, temperate and arctic zones; germination ecology of plants with specialized life cycles and/or habits; and biogeographical and evolutionary aspects of seed dormancy. Tables and figures; extensive references; subject and taxonomic indexes. For all agricultural libraries and anyone working in the botanical disciplines." ( "Ecologists, plant scientists, agriculturists, foresters, horticulturists, agribusiness researchers and the non-specialist general gardeners will want to add this informative and comprehensive title to their personal and professional reference libraries. Highly recommended!" ( (Midwest Book Review)) "For anyone interested in any aspect of seed germination, this is the place to start." (V. Thomas Parker in , September 1999) "This book is an all-encompassing volume that provides a working hypothesis of the ecological and environmental conditions under which various kinds of seed dormancy have developed." ( , 1999) "It is not often that a text may be viewed as a source book for an entire subject. Yet with ten years in the making and having been written by two of the foremost seed ecologists of recent years that is exactly what this is. The book contains an exhaustive coverage of the subject and will undoubtedly become the fundamental reference on seed ecology for many years to come. This is a massive text that is accurate, wide-ranging and complete; it highlights both what is known and what still requires investigation. It is a book that should be found in every scientific library and in the personal collections of anyone interested in the, often under-appreciated, importance of seeds in ecology." ( "...a mine of information about seeds and some aspects of their behavior. I have no doubt that many of those interested in various aspects of seeds and dormancy will wish to add it to their library and will find the purchase worthwhile." (A.M. Mayer in Author Bio: Carol C. Baskin, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. Jerry M. Baskin, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A.