This impeccably-researched volume skillfully reports and discusses advances in phytolith research, addressing in particular the use of phytoliths for deciphering fundamental issues in earth science and human history. Comprising thirty reviews and original papers, findings are presented in the following five sections:

· phytoliths in palaeoclimatology and palaeoecology

· phytoliths, diet and health

· archaeological structures, ancient agricultures and palaeoethnobotany

· methodology, taxonomy and taphonomy

· soil-plant interaction.