The series Handbooks in Practical Animal Cell Biology was born out of a wish to provide scientists turning to cell biology, to answer specific biological questions, the same scope as those turning to molecular biology as a tool. Look on any molecular cell biology laboratory's bookshelf and you will find one or more multivolume works that provide excellent recipe books for molecular techniques. Practical cell biology normally has a much lower profile, usually with a few more theoretical books on the cell types being studied in that laboratory.

The aim of this series, then, is to provide a multivolume, recipe-book-style approach to cell biology. Individuals may wish to acquire one or more volumes for personal use. Laboratories are likely to find the whole series a valuable addition to the ‘in house’ technique base.

There is no doubt that a competent molecular cell biologist will need ‘green fingers’ and patience to succeed in the culture of many primary cell types. However, with our increasing knowledge of the molecular explanation for many complex biological processes, the need to study differentiated cell lineages in vitro becomes ever more fundamental to many research programmes. Many of the more tedious elements in cell biology have become less onerous due to the commercial availability of most reagents. Further, the element of ‘witchcraft’ involved in success in culturing particular primary cells has diminished as more individuals are successful. The chapters in each volume of the series are written by experts in the culture of each cell type. The specific aim of the series is to share that technical expertise with others. We, the editors and authors, wish you every success in achieving this.