This is an excellent and extensive reference textbook edited by prominent scientists in the biology and ecology of mollusks. It is, essentially a series of literature reviews comprehensively describing the state of knowledge regarding the biology of Crassostrea virginica, the eastern oyster, and complements the Paul Galtsoff's The American Oyster (1964). Topics include detailed anatomy (including shell structure and circulatory system), feeding physiology, population genetics, reproduction and larval biology, and diseases/defense mechanisms, as well as aquaculture, transplantation, and public management. This text serves technical audiences including scientists, managers, educators, and students. ( )