The book covers the functional significance and properties of erythrocytes, their generation, senescence and suicidal death. It further summarizes knowledge about hormones influencing erythrocyte formation including erythropoietin as well as disorders affecting and involving erythrocytes such as anemia, malaria, and sepsis. This seminal work, hence, forms a unique reference on the most abundant cell type in mammals and will be an invaluable resource for students in the life sciences.