For ten years annual geomorphology symposia have ben held at the State University of New York at Binghamton, each with a particular theme and each leading to publication of a volume. Some of these volumes have become classics in their fields and individually some very important papers have been included. The 1980 symposium was the first to be held away from Binghamton, at Kent State University, Ohio and this book, published in the 'Binghamton' series series is the symposium volume. It contains 16 assorted contributions on the theme of Applied Geomorphology and although many are interesting papers the volume as a whole does not seem to have the calibre of some of the earlier volumes. Perhaps this is because applied geomorphology is rather a diffuse field and one unlikely to provide major conceptual advances in geomorphological science. The papers reflect the applications of geomorphology to engineering and land use planning especially in the U.S.A., and probably to reflect the range of contract work undertaken by North American geomorphologists. Most are based on case studies, and few really give an oveMew of any major theme.