Book excerpt: This 1989 book deals with the physical and chemical properties found in algae of different types (blue-green, red, golden-brown, yellow-green, brown and green). Methods used for extracting and purifying the pigments and their value in classifying the various types of algae are discussed in detail. This book contains detailed tables of the physical properties of the pigments (absorption and fluorescence-emission spectra and extinction coefficients), and brings together data on the distribution of algal pigments in relation to hypotheses of the evaluation of algae. It will be of value to anyone with an interest in phycology.