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The inverse problem in the calculus of variation consists of deciding whether a given system of second order ordinary differential equations is equivalent to the Euler-Lagrange equations for some Lagrangian. It can be reduced to deciding whether a certain over-determined system of partial differential equations possesses a solution. A direct computational approach to this problem becomes very quickly very tedious. Nevertheless, \textit{J. Douglas} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 50, 71-128 (1941; Zbl 0025.18102)] gave a complete solution for the case of two degrees of freedom using the Janet-Riquier theory of over-determined systems. In recent years much progress has been achieved in understanding the geometric structures behind the Euler-Lagrange equations and the inverse problem. Especially, a comparatively concise and intrinsic formulation of the Helmholtz condition has been found. On the other hand, the Spencer theory provides us with a completely intrinsic approach to over-determined systems. The main topic of the book is the use of this theory in the context of the inverse problem. Compared with Douglas' approach, this has the advantage that all steps can be performed in a coordinate free manner. The book consists of seven chapters and an appendix. The first chapter gives a quick introduction into the theory of the formal integrability of partial differential equations in the geometric form pioneered by Spencer and collaborators. The major results are stated without proofs. Instead a number of geometrically motivated examples are given. The next two chapters describe the Frölicher-Nijenhuis theory of derivations on the module of vector valued differential forms and a differential algebraic formalism for connections. These are the two main ingredients for the geometric approach to the inverse problem. Chapter four derives necessary conditions for variational sprays which allow the authors to cast the inverse problem in a form where it is easier to find effective conditions for the existence of a solution. In the fifth chapter the inverse problem is studied in full generality and the obstructions to the integrability of the over-determined system are derived. However, it seems impossible to obtain a full classification. So the remaining two chapters are devoted to two special cases. Chapter six recovers Douglas' results on two-dimensional systems within the new framework. This requires a large number of case distinctions making this the by far largest chapter in the book. It is quite instructive to see how one needs the full machinery of the formal theory, as indeed all possible situations arise. The final chapter returns to the \(n\)-dimensional case but restricts to isotropic sprays. Most of the progress on the inverse problem is based on the geometric approach and has been obtained very recently. This is the first book that offers a concise introduction into this theory. The authors also seem to be the first ones using the formal theory for the analysis of the arising over-determined system instead of the much older Janet-Riquier theory. This is a bit surprising, as it appears only natural to use a geometric approach for this analysis after so much effort has been spent on deriving the system in a geometric form. Everybody seriously interested in the modern theory of the inverse problem of the calculus of variations should take a look at this book.