Book excerpt: Organic chemists working on the synthesis of natural products have long found a special challenge in the preparation of peptides and proteins. However, more reliable, more efficient synthetic preparation methods have been developed in recent years. This reference evaluates the most important synthesis methods available today, and also considers methods that show promise for future applications. This text describes the state of the art in efficient synthetic methods for the synthesis of both natural and artificial large peptide and protein molecules. Subjects include an introduction to basic topics, linear solid-phase synthesis of peptides, peptide synthesis in solution, convergent solid-phase synthesis, methods for the synthesis of branched peptides, formation of disulfide bridges, and more. The book emphasizes strategies and tactics that must be considered for the successful synthesis of peptides.