Provides the first modern detailed compilation of their taxonomy, ecology, distribution and relevant published literature. The systematic accounts provide sufficient descriptive information to allow specialists to identify taxa to species level, and are structured so that even non-specialists can use them to identify specimens to at least the generic level.
Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Environment and lichen ecology of Antarctica and South Georgia; Materials and methods; Artificial keys to the genera; Systematic and ecological accounts of the genera and species; References; Glossary; Index of taxa.
'The publication of an account of Antarctic lichens is long overdue ! Lichens are the most abundant and diverse macro photoautotrophs in the region ! the authors of the new book have brought together complementary, and probably unique, expertise in Antarctic lichenology to produce a benchmark volume ! a major contribution both to lichenology and to Antarctic science ! lichenologists will want to own this volume as a taxonomic and biogeographical reference work' P. Crittenden, Antarctic Science ' ! undoubtedly a landmark in the development of our knowledge of Artarctic lichens. ! the authors carry out an excellent bibliographical review.' Mycotaxon ' ! a most welcome identification ! an absolute must for the polar lichenologist.' The Naturalist