“This volume includes 22 articles organized into five parts describing: research aimed at locating examples of multicellularity in the Tree of Life; model multicellulars; different theoretical approaches to multicellularity; insights from comparative genomics; and insights from research into molecular mechanisms underlying multicellularity. … the collection provides a comprehensive explanation for why there are no simple answers to when multicellularity first appeared, how many times it appeared, or why and how.” (Ellen Clarke, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 91 (3), September, 2016)

“The chapters effectively lead readers through the evidence for multicellularity in the ToL, discuss models systems in depth (especially algae and the choanoflagellates, the latter leading to animal multicellularity), present theoretical approaches, discuss insights from comparative genomic analyses, and summarize understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. … The book is especially valuable for researchers in or planning to enter the field who seek integrative and novel systems and approaches. … Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners.” (B. K. Hall, Choice, Vol. 53 (2), October, 2015)