An up to date and comprehensive overview of the developing nervous system, with particular emphasis on the vertebrate brain. The past two decades have witnessed dramatic advances in our understanding of neural development in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Recent advances in the molecular genetic basis of developmental mechanisms are integrated with a synthesis of the classical literature to provide coverage of the key events, from the first appearance of the nervous system in the early embryo through postnatal and later stages. The book is intended for final year undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs doing courses in developmental neurobiology. The extensive reference list will also make it a useful source book for teachers and researchers in the field.