This book brings together evidence for the nature of human interactions with tropical forests on a global scale. Following a review of the natural history and variability of tropical forest ecosystems, this book takes a tour of human, and human ancestor, occupation and use of tropical forest environments through time. This book is clearly designed to influence archaeologists to see beyond the ruins that make great tourist attractions, but also for anthropologists, historians, and natural scientists, especially conservationists. I think it should be required reading for all conservationists, especially for those who still think in terms of wilderness. This will become an important book for all undergraduate and graduate courses with some kind of interest in humans and their impact on the planet.