The Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology has been on the market for 10 years, which clearly indicates that this textbook is a success. For the third edition the editorial board has been enlarged by the inclusion of Professor Breedveld from the Netherlands and a quarter of the chapter authors have changed. Looking at the names of the contributors to the different sections, without doubt the editors have succeeded in attracting rheumatologists with high international reputations.
The concept of this textbookto capture the different aspects of rheumatic diseases from bench to bedside within the same framehas been achieved in an excellent way. New aspects of immunopathology, new imaging technologies and new treatment principles are discussed extensively. A new and important section has been added to deal with health outcomes in rheumatic diseases and the delivery of rheumatological care. Potential readers, including students, general practitioners, internists, scientists and rheumatologists, will appreciate the clear structure of the book, which makes it easy to read. The editors should be congratulated for not having increased the size of the book in spite of having including all the new aspects related to rheumatic diseases and the addition of new sections. In addition, the reader will not be overloaded with an endless number of references. At the end of the different chapters key references are given.
The third edition of the Oxford Textbook of Rheumatology is without doubt excellent value. It is a welcome addition to medical libraries and a true reference for students and physicians, including basic scientists and health-care professionals.
The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
|