Conservation Biology 10(2):691-2 (April 1996)

"This book, although a valuable addition to the literature, is not what it at first seems [a synthetic review of this line of active and important research].

The primary role of the chapter on nonequilibrium theory, however, is to present the dynamic equilibrium model as a potentially unifying theory of biological diversity. The next several chapters putatively explore factors that influence diversity across a range of spatial and temporal scales... Although much of this material is tangential to the theme of the book, it serves as an excellent introduction to this important area of ecological research and deserves to be widely read.

Perhaps the most conspicuous feature of the book is its 684 page length. ... Much superfluous and tangential (although often fascinating) material is included. ... Huston's book should prove stimulating and helpful to the informed professional. However, at best it will confuse and at worst mislead the naive reader."

Robert Peet, University of North Carolina