This book represents a comprehensive work on common beans (Phaseolus) written primarily by scientists currently or previously associated with Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) in Colombia, which is the world's major research centre for this crop. The book shows that these beans have a diverse agronomic potential, both for large-scale production and for farmers with more limited resources in regions such as Africa and South America. The major emphasis is on the quest for improved production through breeding and changing agronomic practices. The book includes 16 pages of colour plates.