Book excerpt: The elucidation of the mechanisms and kinematics of shear zone deformation, at both local and regional scales, is the subject of a great deal of interest to scientists in the hydrocarbon industry, in seismology, and in structural geology more generally. This book comprises a collection of five theoretical and twelve regional contributions to the subject from a number of leading researchers in the field, with particular emphasis on work carried out in the Indian subcontinent. The book will be invaluable to advances students and researchers involved in the kinematics of shear.