This is a well compiled, readable book with a wealth of information. ... Having brought all these researchers from the numerous countries together in one volume, this can certainly be a major step towards a more consistent and integrated approach in the future. The presentation is very pleasant, with many coloured photos and maps, well-structured tables and diagrams. (Jurgen Dengler, Bulletin of the European Dry Grassland Group, Issue 21, December, 2013) Part of the Springer Plant and Vegetation series, this volume covers one of the largest biomes in the world. ... the book is part of a series on vegetation, and certainly the field botanist or environmental scientist concerned with these steppe eco-systems or interested in their conservation will find a wealth of rich material. ... The bibliography thus represents an important and useful resource for regional studies on this biome. (Sarah Robinson, Pastoralism, Vol. 3, 2013)