This book is a general review of the hazard associated with the manipulation of reactive chemicals. It was one of my first readings on the subject and was very instructive, very general and not too theoretical. The book gives the classical basic criteria for suspecting a substance to be hazardous, describes the energy release mechanisms, then explains clearly the different theoretical and experimental methods for hazard screening and assessment. Case histories illustrate the possible consequences. Prevention is treated through various checklists and an entire chapter is about emergency response. It also describes the most important organisations devoted to chemical safety, their activities and the hazard classifications they use. Finally, it studies a very japanese concern: earthquaques. This is a fine book, clear and instructive.