This textbook is an introduction to the study of the formal transformational syntax of the English language, and within its self-imposed limitations, it is a generally excellent textbook. Nearly all the standard terminology and symbolism is defined, explained, and illustrated with lucidity and precision. Culicover offers paradigm cases of careful rule formulation and justification, wherein each rule proposed is accompanied by a full analysis of the pertinent data, often with alternative analyses, and always with step-by-step illustrations of crucial argumentation. Alternative treatments are given for relative clause formation, extraposition, and other processes. Students are shown that everything in syntax must, and can, be argued for. The reader gains familiarity with most of the phenomena most frequently discussed in the literature. Each chapter is provided with several exercises and a list of suggested readings.