Book excerpt: This timely, one-stop reference is the first on an emerging and interdisciplinary topic. Covering both established and recently developed ligation chemistries, the book is divided into two didactic parts: a section that focuses on the details of bioorthogonal and chemoselective ligation reactions at the level of fundamental organic chemistry, and a section that focuses on applications, particularly in the areas of chemical biology, biomaterials, and bioanalysis, highlighting the capabilities and benefits of the ligation reactions. With chapters authored by outstanding scientists who range from trailblazers in the field to young and emerging leaders, this book on a highly interdisciplinary topic will be of great interest for biochemists, biologists, materials scientists, pharmaceutical chemists, organic chemists, and many others.