Essentials of Glycobiology is a comprehensive textbook edited by A. Varki and others, published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press in 2009. It is the second edition of a book first published over a decade earlier. The book is dedicated to Rosalind Kornfeld and Roger Jeanloz, who were pioneers in glycobiology. The book consists of 51 chapters, a glossary, study guide, and subject index. The first part covers general principles of glycobiology, including the history of the field, monosaccharides, glycoconjugates, and glycan structure and function. The second part discusses the structure and biosynthesis of glycans, including N-glycans, glycosphingolipids, proteoglycans, and sialic acids. The third part explores the diversity of glycans in various organisms. The fourth part focuses on glycan-binding proteins, including lectins and galectins. The fifth part discusses the role of glycans in physiology and disease, including their role in infections and genetic disorders. The sixth part covers methods and applications for studying glycans, including chemical and enzymatic synthesis, and their use in biotechnology. Each chapter includes references and a study guide with questions. The book is a valuable resource for beginners and experts in glycobiology, as well as for biochemists, molecular biologists, biotechnologists, and physicians.Essentials of Glycobiology is a comprehensive textbook edited by A. Varki and others, published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press in 2009. It is the second edition of a book first published over a decade earlier. The book is dedicated to Rosalind Kornfeld and Roger Jeanloz, who were pioneers in glycobiology. The book consists of 51 chapters, a glossary, study guide, and subject index. The first part covers general principles of glycobiology, including the history of the field, monosaccharides, glycoconjugates, and glycan structure and function. The second part discusses the structure and biosynthesis of glycans, including N-glycans, glycosphingolipids, proteoglycans, and sialic acids. The third part explores the diversity of glycans in various organisms. The fourth part focuses on glycan-binding proteins, including lectins and galectins. The fifth part discusses the role of glycans in physiology and disease, including their role in infections and genetic disorders. The sixth part covers methods and applications for studying glycans, including chemical and enzymatic synthesis, and their use in biotechnology. Each chapter includes references and a study guide with questions. The book is a valuable resource for beginners and experts in glycobiology, as well as for biochemists, molecular biologists, biotechnologists, and physicians.