This exciting text provides a mathematically rigorous yet accessible textbook that is primarily aimed at atmospheric science majors. Its accessibility is due to the texts emphasis on conceptual understanding. The first five chapters constitute a companion text to introductory courses covering the dynamics of the mid-latitude atmosphere. The final four chapters constitute a more advanced course, and provide insights into the diagnostic power of the quasi-geostrophic approximation of the equations outlined in the previous chapters, the meso-scale dynamics of thefrontal zone, the alternative PV perspective for cyclone interpretation, and the dynamics of the life-cycle of mid-latitude cyclones. * Written in a clear and accessible style * Features real weather examples and global case studies * Each chapter sets out clear learning objectives and tests students’ knowledge with concluding questions and answers A Solutions Manual is also available for this textbook on the Instructor Companion Site www.wileyeurope.com/college/martin. …a student-friendly yet rigorous textbook that accomplishes what no other textbook has done before…I highly recommend this textbook. For instructors, this is a great book if they don’t have their own class notes - one can teach straight from the book. And for students, this is a great book if they don’t take good class notes - one can learn straight from the book. This is a rare attribute of advanced textbooks. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS), 2008