Book excerpt: The Quaternary has been a period of major climatic and environmental oscillations, and our knowledge of these past variations is important for our understanding of the possible impact of human activity on the present-day environment. Quaternary Climates, Environments and Magnetism presents an up-to-date account of the rich variety of uses of magnetic measurements in the environmental geosciences. Ten chapters by leading world authorities describe the highlights of environmental magnetic work during the past decade and identify directions for future research. This comprehensive and multidisciplinary coverage leads to a more thorough understanding of the environmental processes involved. This volume will be of interest to research scientists from a wide range of disciplines working on Quaternary environments, including earth and environmental sciences, physical geology, geography, and palaeoclimatology. It will also be valuable as a supplementary text for graduates and advanced undergraduates.