Grasslands are a resource of great economic importance, as the origin of much of the world's milk, wool and meat. Over the past 60 years great progress has been made in grassland science to cope with increasing pressures such as population growth and global warming. Ross Humphreys is a leading authority whose review will be of great significance to all grassland scientists and ecologists.

Grasslands around the world are the origin of most of the world's milk and wool and much of the meat. The growing world population and the threat of global warming have put increased pressure on the world's grasslands. Ross Humphreys has played a leading role in the development of grassland science and in this authoritative review discusses how it has evolved over the past 60 years. Using the proceedings of the International Grassland Congress since 1937, Professor Humphreys identifies the shifting emphasis of the science, assesses the current state of play and looks at perspectives for the future.