The book is largely self-contained. There is a nice introduction to symplectic geometry and a charming exposition of equivariant K-theory. Both are enlivened by examples related to groups. An attractive feature is the attempt to convey some informal wisdom rather than only the precise definitions. As a number of results are due to the authors, one finds some of the original excitement. This is the only available introduction to geometric representation theory and it has already proved successful in introducing a new generation to the subject.