This book is the first comprehensive compilation of data and ideas relating to the origin, evolution, and significance of the world's greenstone belts, and includes contributions from over 100 experts. In the first of two parts, reviews are presented on broad topics relating to the geology of greenstone belts and their surroundings, covering mainly post-1980 research. These include: historical, sedimentologic, volcanic, structural, metamorphic, metallogenic, and thermal aspects; summaries of mafic/ultramafic magnetism, strain, fluids, geophysics and deep structures; relations with associated granitoids, tectonic evolution, and geochronology; and field relationships. The second part takes a more focused look at the geology of specific cratons and individual greenstone belts worldwide, including Archaean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic examples. Detailed geologic maps on large and small scales, extensive tabulations of data, and short written summaries of the salient features are included for all belts. The book will be a valuable reference tool for academic and industrial researchers, students, explorationists, and anyone interested in the evolution of Earth processes over geologic time.