The Holocene refers to the period since the end of the last Ice Age some 12000 years ago.  Understanding the climatic and other environmental changes (both natural and anthropogenic) that have occurred over this period is of crucial importance to society. We cannot hope to manage future environmental change without learning the lessons of the past. In its first and second editions, The Holocene provided undergraduates with a much-needed coherent scientific account of the great transformation of nature that had taken place during the Holocene, the last 10,000 years in the history of the planet and the period in which we are all now living. This period has included major shifts in climate and human culture, and in the natural environment at every level. Since the 2nd edition was published, the issue has if anything become higher on the agenda. Paleoclimatology and paleoecology have in particular developed rapidly, and there are important new results and methodologies that need to be covered. The 3rd edition includes more North American and other non-UK  case study material to increase the books appeal worldwide. The current edition of this book has sold 15 000 copies since publication in 1998.  The current MAT is around 500 copies.