This work provides the first comprehensive, single-author phylogenetic systematic review of all living and fossil crustacean groups since 1909. Frederick R. Schram, a recognized authority in carcinology, synthesizes decades of anatomical, developmental, and fossil data to establish a modern evolutionary framework. By applying rigorous cladistic methods, the author re-evaluates historical data to present original conclusions regarding the diversification and relationships within the subphylum Crustacea.

Experts recognize this volume as a foundational reference for researchers and advanced students of marine biology and paleontology. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose and the extensive utility of the included international bibliography for specialized study.