David P. Lawrence. 2003. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. 562 pp. $99.95 hardcover.

The title of this textbook, Environmental Impact Assessment, belies the complexity and sophistication of its contents. David Lawrence has produced a monumental work outlining Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as it is practiced globally. The global practice of EIA was inspired in large part by the American practice of environmental impact analysis conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. This practice is not synonymous with NEPA practice in America, which makes this work especially important for American-trained NEPA specialists working outside the United States.