Trust but verify! is the advice that Lenin is supposed to have imparted to his followers (see the motto of Chapter 1); Trust and Verify is the title of the very useful Bulletin issued by the Verification Technology Information Centre to keep us informed on current developments in arms control, disarmament and associated verification requirements; Verify and enjoy doing it well! might well be the subtitle of this book, which is quite remarkable for its engaging style. It covers a considerable amount of material, including quite technical stuff (with theorems proved and calculations worked out in detail), yet its two authors have managed to write it with such lively prose, and to include such a wealth of witty examples, as to make it a most enjoyable read, as even the casual browser will immediately discover.

But this book should appeal not only to the casual browser: it deserves to be read by all those who have an interest in verification — even if they are unable to appreciate all its mathematical niceties. And it will certainly be studied by those who have a professional involvement in this essential aspect of international relations.