The recursion operator method for nonlinear evolution equations integrable by the inverse spectral transform method is discussed. This method enables us to present the integrable equations in a compact and convenient form and to construct the infinite-dimensional groups of general Backlund transformations and the infinite-dimensional symmetry groups for these equations. Adjoint representation of the spectral problems plays a central role in the recursion operator method. Nonlinear integrable equations in 1+1 and 1+2 dimensions are considered.