Book excerpt: This monograph brings together research which spans over 150 years and provides an up-to-date account of our knowledge of the Purbeck insect fauna.The geological setting of the Purbeck Limestone Group is discussed, along with the palaeoenvironments in which the insects lived and the factors that affected their preservation. A complete annotated and fully referenced systematic list of both described and recorded fossil insects from the Purbeck has been compiled, illustrated with numerous photographs and drawings. A detailed examination of both the terrestrial and aquatic environments. Information on habitat preferences, feeding strategies and predator/prey relationships have been interpreted from the fossil insects and other organisms found within these rocks. Should be of interest to both amateur and professional entomologists and palaeontologists.