Palynology is important in basic as well as in manifold applied sciences, as e.g. biology, medicine, forensics, earth history, climatology and food production. This volume is the first fully illustrated handbook of palynological principles and glossary terms, exclusively using LM and EM micrographs of superior quality. A comprehensive General Chapter on pollen morphology, anatomy, pollen development etc. based on the present knowledge in palynology introduces the reader in the world of pollen. The glossary part comprises more than 300 widely used terms illustrated with over 1.000 high quality light and/or electron microscopic pictures to show the character range of a term. Terms are grouped by feature, e.g. ornamentation, where each term is illustrated on a separate page, definition and original citation included and where necessary, provided with a comprehensive explanatory comment. The term's use in LM, SEM or TEM and its assignment to anatomical, morphological and/or functional pollen features is indicated by icons and colour coding, respectively. This handbook is not only a valuable source for students and researchers but also for all persons interested in pollen and its aesthetic beauty.

This handbook is a fully illustrated compendium of glossary terms and basic principles in the field of palynology, making it an indispensable tool for all palynologists.

The general chapter on pollen morphology, anatomy, and pollen development deals with essential aspects of palynology. Where appropriate, ambiguous or poorly recognized aspects are explained in greater detail, based on the present state of knowledge in palynology.

The terminology section comprises more than 300 widely used terms illustrated with over 1000 high-quality light and/or electron microscope images. It provides a detailed survey of the manifold ornamentation and structures of pollen walls, and offers insights into their stunning aesthetic beauty. Terms are grouped by context to allow easier and faster comparison of similar features. In general, each term is explained on a page of its own, including the definition, plant species, and, if needed, a comprehensive explanation. The use of the terms in LM, SEM or TEM and their assignment to anatomical, morphological and/or functional pollen features are indicated by icons and color coding, respectively.

The textual glossary is arranged alphabetically for faster term searches. Key literature sources are mentioned and select cross-references to the general chapter are included for better comprehension.

From the reviews:

" ...takes full advantage of the high quality microscope photographs to guide us through the rich, variable and beautiful world of pollen morphology. ..." Petr Kunes in Folia Geobot (2009) 44:435-450

"This is a beautifully illustrated, wonderful book that will serve as an important text and reference on pollen terminology for years to come. ..."

Bruce Kirchoff, Department of Biology, UNC Greensboro in Plant Science Bulletin 55(2) 2009

" ? Finally I got "Pollen Terminology. An illustrated handbook ? Undoubtedly, it is the best, the most complete and well-illustrated book on pollen terminology ever published! ?"

Dmitri Britski, St. Petersburg
April 2009

"The outstanding feature of this book is the superb quality of the illustrations, which are both scientifically and aesthetically pleasing. (...)
The new book ... puts considerable emphasis on high-quality EM images; one of their stated aims is to illustrate pollen features in this way."

Carol A. Furness, Micromorphology Section, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens in Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 16 June 2009.

'The Hesse et al. 'Pollen Terminology' book is an extraordinary work. (...)'

John Rowley, September 2009.

'...this handbook is not only of practical use but also exceptionally well-crafted and a delight ot the eye. ... I have no doubt that this will become an indespensable standard reference work for all scientists studying pollen.'

Robert Grant-Downton in 'Annals of Botany', Dec. 1, 2009. doi:10.1093/aob/mcp289

"The title, Pollen Terminology, does indeed provide an accurate and succinct summary of this book ? . This book is definitely worth having for the images alone. ? I certainly recommend this volume. It is a book that should be on every palynologist's bookshelf ? . It's one of those books that you didn't know you needed, butthe instant you see it, you know it's just what you've wanted and is soon going to be indispensable." (Alwynne B. Beaudoin, Newsletter AASP, June, 2012)