Book excerpt: Wood and wood products are essential to large areas of the world economy, yet until now there has been no single definitive reference source to which those new to or requiring a strategic overview of the industry could turn for a comprehensive picture of the market chain from forest to consumer. "The International Timber Trade "remedies this, providing a detailed overview of the entire timber and timber products business in an authoritative and accessible style. Written by a leading expert, "The International Timber Trade" is essential reading for a wide range of interested groups including managers in the timber industry and trade, the financial community with interests in the sector, academics and students in forestry management and related studies, government agencies and their advisers in helping to develop policies for the sector and international trade, and finally those working in international development organizations and in national and international non-governmental bodies.