Book excerpt: Most previous publications on the classification of tapeworms (cestodes) have been based on compilations from the literature and are now dated. Thus there is a real need for up-to-date keys based on the re-examination of specimens and on a re-evaluation of the characters employed in cestode taxonomy. This book fulfils this need and provides keys to enable specialists and non-specialists to identify cestodes to generic level. The keys are dichotomous and are based largely on morphological characters. The authors have re-examined many specimens, including type specimens where possible. As a result, the keys reflect new ideas and have lead to reappraisals of cestode taxonomy, particularly at family and generic level, with many reallocations and synonymies. The authors include 19 international authorities from the UK, USA, Australia, Brazil, France, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. The book includes approximately 1,700 illustrations and is a standard work on tapeworm identification and will be indispensable for parasitologists.