marine molluscs are very promising candidates for a wide range of biotechnological applications. for example, they possess analgesic drugs more potent than morphine and very effective anticancer agents. the present book gives an up-to-date overview of the main classes of bioactive compounds from molluscs, moving from ecological observations, to chemical characterization, to biosynthesis, to large-scale synthesis, and to pharmacological applications. a truly outstanding international panel of experts from all continents provides complete coverage of the most stimulating topics related to molluscs. this knowledge of their history and current studies provides an open door to the future.