The use of lanthanides in organic chemistry and in organic synthesis has attracted broad interest recently because of the unique reactivities and selectivities exhibited by compounds of these rare earth elements. In particular, several major advances have been made in the last five years. This volume of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry is designed to provide the specialist and non-specialist alike with a much needed overview of recent developments. Contributions by leaders in the field focus on stereoselective organic synthesis using lanthanides, the principles of lanthanide chemistry, lanthanide-based chiral catalysts, low-valent lanthanide compounds, polymer synthesis using lanthanide catalysts, and polymer-supported lanthanide catalysts used in organic synthesis.