"The addition of two volumes dealing with synthetic applications of radical chemistry to the highly popular Topics in Current Chemistry series highlights the importance of this rapidly growing area. The first volume, reviewed here, deals with development of new methods and the physical organic underpinnings of radical methodology, while the second volume addresses the applications of these methods in complex molecule synthesis. Although such a division is totally arbitrary, it provides a convenient platform to categorize this otherwise diverse area. ...A highly readable account of the generation and applications of alkene radical cations by heterolysis of ß-substituted radicals. The authors provide a detailed account of the methods of generation, kinetic and mechanistic aspects, and the eventual fate of these intermediates generated from diverse sources. … In summary, the importance of the topics in this book is uneven, with some chapters being more useful than others and some too specialized to be of wider use. The book is handsomely designed and highly readable with excellent graphics and minimal mistakes. With a companion volume dealing with synthetic applications, this collection could be quite useful. ..." (T. V. RajanBabu, JACS, Vol. 128 (51), 2006)

"The first volume (Methods and Mechanics) concentrates on the mechanistic aspects of radical chemistry and the development of novel methods … . The chapters, written by leading experts, provide state-of-the-art reviews of exciting and pertinent topics of current research in radical chemistry. … is a masterly attempt at setting radicals in synthesis in context. Any researcher involved in the field should have ready access to it. … deserve to be widely read and debated." (Current Engineering Practice, 2007)