This book is an interesting reference for naturalists, biologists, and aquarium hobbyists. The systematics are a little out-of-date, but this book is still of value. The illustrations in the text are nice as are some of the photos. The book is divided into 8 main sections. 1) Corals in history 2) Stony corals: structure, growth, and diversity 3) Environmental factors as the basis of existence for stony corals 4) Assistant reef builders and their work in the reef 5) Coral mountains in warm tropical seas 6) Motley life in the living reef 7) Benefits and dangers of coral reefs to man 8) Classification and distribution of recent stony corals (scleractinia)