Sedimentation in tidal environments covers a broad spectrum of conditions, and produces a wide range of tidal signatures. These sediment sequences that have accumulated as the result of significant tidal influence are called tidalites. Over the past few decades, several models have been developed that are useful in interpreting tidal sequences in the ancient stratigraphic record. The models include tidal bedding, tidal bundles, and the relationships of cycles with various time scales to these tidal deposits. Although the efforts of sedimentologists studying both modern and ancient sequences have provided techniques for detailed analysis of tidalites, there is still much to be learned about tidal sedimentation and the resulting sediment deposits. This volume is a step toward that end. This introductory paper will provide the reader with a brief history of the organized effort in tidal sedimentology along with a synopsis of this volume.