A.E.L. Holborn & M.A. Kaminski, The Grzybowski Foundation, Special Publication No.4, 1997, 172pp.

This book is a synthesis of Anne Holborn’s Ph.D work and Mike Kaminski’s on the Deep Sea Drilling Project and Ocean Drilling Program Holes in the Indian Ocean. Anne Holborn is an good foraminiferal specialist who has been trained by Dr. M. Kaminski in the same field as his speciality. Mike Kaminski is one of the most distinguished small, simple benthonic foraminifera scientist. He has an impressive publication record on small, simple agglutinated foraminifera (similar to those found in the North Sea). Their efficient expertise provided us with a comprehensive monograph on the Lower Cretaceous deep-water small benthonic foraminifera of the eastern Indian Ocean, offshore Australia, collected by various ocean drilling expeditions of over 10 sites.

Essentially, this is a detailed taxonomical study of 260 foraminifera, illustrated in 53 plates. However, the authors investigate also the biostratigraphic distribution of these species global and revise the chornostratigraphy, palaeoecology and palaeobathymetry of the Lower Cretaceous Ocean.

On the whole, the book is well presented. The format, quality of paper, font and style of illustrations are excellent. Detailed range charts and detailed distribution charts of every site are well presented.

This study leads the way for a better understanding of global distribution of deep sea small benthonic foraminifera and of stratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous Oceans. Therefore, if you are a committed professional working with any aspect of deep sea small benthonic foraminifera, Holborn and Kaminski’s book is essential and you should have it on your desk,

Marcelle Fadel, Micropalaeontology Unit, Geological Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT.