The origins, definitions, tools, and guiding principles of host-guest chemistry are developed. Perching, nesting, and capsular complexes are exemplified through molecular model and crystal structure comparisons. The degree of preorganization of a host for binding is a central determinant of its binding power. Complementarity of binding site placement in host and guest is a central determinant of structural recognition in complexation. Examples are given of chiral recognition in complexation, of partial transacylase mimics, of caviplexes, and of a synthetic molecular cell.