Book excerpt: The Peptides: Analysis, Synthesis, Biology, Volume 1: Major Methods of Peptide Bond Formation provides comprehensive and critical reviews of important developments in three major areas of peptide research—analysis, synthesis, and biology. This book discusses the nature of the peptide bond, coupling between amino acid residues, and catalysis of active ester reactions. The formation of hydrazides, reactions of carbodiimides with amines, and mixed carbonic anhydride method of peptide synthesis are also elaborated. This publication likewise covers the control of racemization during peptide synthesis, strategies for minimizing racemization during amide-forming steps, and assays for chiral purity. This volume is suitable for students, specialists, and scientists from a broad range of disciplines concerned with peptides.