Stephen G. A. Leak CABI Publishing, Wallingford, 1998. HB, 592 pp, £65, US$ 120, ISBN 0 85199 300 1 This book is the first major review on tsetse and trypanosomosis (formerly: trypanosomiasis) since 1986. As the disease continues to be a major hindrance for the economic development of much of rural Africa, and an increasing number of people are stricken with sleeping sickness, the book provides a timely and useful reference source for scientists and those working on its control. The book clearly shows that, in spite of 100 years of intensive research on the biology and control of trypanosomosis, it is still widespread and control efforts can only contain it. This should be a signal that research leading to better control of this important disease should not diminish. Sadly, in the last decade there has been a marked reduction in interest, and therefore funding, for continued control. This was perhaps guided by the optimism derived from new methods of vector control, as illustrated by the book, that have been very successful in parts of southern and eastern Africa. The book places emphasis on the tsetse vector while at the same time discussing the epidemiology and control of the disease. In Part I general issues concerning the taxonomic classification, biology, genetics, ecology and population biology of tsetse flies are discussed in detail. There are separate chapters on sampling methods and on the by now well known, but still unique, function of odour attractants. Part II discusses the epidemiology of human sleeping sickness and trypanosomosis in domestic animals. Historic data are complemented by information on the current situation (e.g. Democratic Republic of the Congo). Different methods of treatment of the disease are also presented. The chapter on trypanosomosis in domestic livestock includes information concerning trypanotolerance, immunology and problems with drug treatment. This is followed by a quantitative chapter on estimation of disease risk. Part III deals with vector control and includes historic and current methods of control. Advantages and disadvantages of the available methods are discussed, and it is left up to the reader to draw a conclusion about which method is best. The book is very detailed and complete in presenting the various aspects of tsetse and trypanosomosis. However, because of the way the chapters are organized, a continuous line of thought is lacking, making it difficult for the lay reader to obtain a comprehensive view of the complicated ecology of African trypanosomosis. Many historic and recent research findings are discussed in detail, but those readers who expect to develop a policy for the control of trypanosomosis based on this information will be disappointed, as a strategy on how to decide on the best control policy is not presented. The book could have done with a concluding chapter on the interactions of tsetse flies, trypanosomes, wildlife, humans and livestock that are now known to determine the epidemiology of sleeping sickness. For instance, it has been a common policy to adopt tsetse control methods according to the agro-ecological zone of a specific area. Therefore questions concerning the best control methods should foremost depend on the ecology of that particular area. The order of chapters is not always logical, for instance the chapter on tsetse sampling is placed before discussing tsetse ecology, although the selection of sampling tools depends on understanding the ecology of the fly. A separate chapter on odour attractants suggests that this is an aspect different from behavioural ecology, whereas olfaction is of course an integral part of insect behaviour. There are very few errors in a book containing so much information. When discussing the use of chemosterilants (p. 398), more emphasis should have been placed on the extremely toxic nature of tepa and metepa, both of which have been withdrawn from the market for this reason. Illustrations and tables are clear and informative. All references were combined and placed at the end of the book, which is convenient for the reader. In conclusion, the book is an admirable compilation of the available information concerning the biology and control of tsetse flies as vectors of trypanosomosis. It will be a useful reference source for students, scientists and other workers in this field.