This book provides an introduction to the world's tropical rain forests for a broad readership, describing their structure and functioning, their value to man and what he is doing to them. Examples are drawn from all parts of the humid tropic. Today there is more research being conducted in tropical rain forests than ever before. Some is driven by curiousity, some by desire to harness these forests to mankind's needs. The author addresses questions such as to what extent are there real differences between rain forests in different places, and what are the current frontiers of knowledge?, and is present-day concern about man's impacts on tropical rain forests justified? Previous books by T.C.Whitmore include Tropical Rain Forest Ecology and Management and Rain Forest Regeneration and Management.