The publication of the handbook Agricultural Entomology by H. F. van Emden is a landmark for students and professionals in the field of entomology applied to agriculture and horticulture. It can be used as a reference or as a general textbook.

The book begins with a general introduction to entomology and covers the major insects (and mites) that are harmful to crops, livestock, and humans. Important beneficial species are also included. The organisms are classified into Orders and Families of insects.

Emphasis is placed on the morphological characteristics of the major taxonomic units, on the "identifying features" for recognizing Families and their evolution, on the symptoms caused by damage, and on the economic significance of various pest species.

The book contains wonderful color illustrations with over 400 images depicting both the insect and the damage caused to plants, with diagnostic characteristics highlighted by arrows. The coverage is global and includes a wealth of material drawn from the author’s extensive experience.

H.F. VAN EMDEN is an internationally respected entomologist, who has served as President of the Royal Entomological Society and the Association of Applied Biologists in the UK. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Horticulture at the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading, UK, where he has taught entomology at the postgraduate level to international Crop Protection students for the past 35 years. He has taught and conducted research on applied entomology on six continents.