Book excerpt: Multivariate public key cryptosystems (MPKC) is a fast-developing area in cryptography. This book systematically presents the subject matter for a broad audience and is the first book to focus on this exciting new topic. Information security experts in industry can use the book as a guide for understanding what is needed to implement these cryptosystems for practical applications, and researchers in both computer science and mathematics will find it a good starting point for exploring this new field. It is also suitable as a textbook for advanced-level students.