The book "Direct Methods for Solving Macromolecular Structures" provides a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the methods for determining the crystallographic structure of macromolecules. It is based on the contributions of the lecturers from the NATO Advanced Study Institute of 1997 and covers both direct and experimental phasing techniques. These techniques are highlighted for their complementarity and synergy, allowing for a broad and integrative approach to structure determination. The book discusses the entire reconstruction process of crystallography, from defining the low-resolution envelope to high-resolution atomic refinement. The first half of the book introduces the various tools currently used in structure determination and showcases the diversity and creativity of the developed phasing approaches that can increasingly solve complex structures. It addresses both new developments and the revival of older methods, illustrating the dynamism and progress in this research field.