Smith (University of Strathclyde, UK) and Dent, a researcher in the UK's private sector, provide the information needed to enable new users of Raman spectroscopy to understand and apply the technique correctly. Early chapters provide enough basic theory to make a practical interpretation of Raman spectra, focusing on quantum theory. The theory is explained in more depth in later chapters that describe the main equations involved in Raman scattering. Equations are explained rather than derived so that those with little knowledge of mathematics can understand the physical meaning described.