This book of 21chapters, written by 28 experts, is divided into two sections. The first covers the principles, starting with the evolution of the atmosphere up to the beginning of the last ice age. Before the last ice age our understanding of the atmosphere is largely theoretical. Since then we have evidence from ice deposits and an existing atmosphere to study. Several of the chapters in the first section deal with aspects of the physics and chemistry of the current atmosphere. The second section of the book looks at practical aspects like air pollution, atmospheric monitoring and air quality management.
This is an academic and professional level book, and yet I found the first chapter fascinating, as the author deduced the early history of the atmosphere from such hidden facts as isotope ratios. The second chapter on atmospheric energy and structure covered an area that was included in my original degree, so, although the mathematics formulae tested my memory, I could follow most of the text. The energy balance diagram was the most complete I have seen, and I now know why clouds have flat bottoms. The opening chapter of the second part of the book is a very good introduction to the problems of global air pollution. The more practical chapters on pollution and air quality measuring, modelling and managing are clear and very useful in understanding how and why these activities are carried out.
In all, I read about half of the chapters before finalising this review. The point towards which I am working, is that there is much in this book that will interest the non‐expert and in the second section there is much that will be of use to technical and policy people, including concerned members of the public. The editors are both academics and the preface indicates that this is primarily a higher education textbook. Some chapters will be of interest to biologists and environmental science students. It also has a wider market among practitioners in air quality management. The book would be a luxury in a public library, although councillors, officers and the local amenity groups would probably make use of it.
