Book excerpt: This compendium contains all the reference texts and standard-setting instruments relating to cultural heritage elaborated by the Council of Europe. It starts with the European Cultural Convention of 1954 and presents conventions, resolutions and recommendations of the Committee of Ministers, relevant texts from European ministerial conferences, charters, codes of good practice and guidelines. The scope of the texts covers all aspects of European cultural heritage including the archaeological heritage, the architectural heritage, cultural property, landscape, urban space and the movable heritage. The issues addressed by the texts include preservation, renovation, training, education, combating physical deterioration, town and country planning, economic impact and sustainable development. This compendium is an invaluable source for policy makers at local, regional, national and international level, for professionals working in the cultural heritage sector and for all those interested in the history and current practices of cultural heritage. Its wide-ranging bibliography offers an opportunity for the interested reader to explore the issues further.