Abstract
The first edition of this book appeared in 1986. The editors of the first three editions, Ronald G Grainger and David J Allison, were later joined by Andreas Adam and Adrian K Dixon. In this sixth edition the latter two are now joined by Jonathan Gillard and Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop with support of over 190 authors from around the world.
When I started my career in radiology in the mid 1990s the second edition was available, and even at that time, the book was considered the main source in radiology, a kind of Bible, especially for trainees.
It seems that the editors have continued the high standards of the previous editions.
The book is very comprehensive, yet clear and legible.
It covers most areas of radiology practice and this latest sixth edition, in a two-volume set, has been completely revised and four new sections have been added (Abdominal Imaging, The Spine, Oncological Imaging, and Interventional Radiology) with 28 brand new chapters.
Thus, the book now consists of nine sections containing a total of 98 chapters over 2214 pages.
The book begins with a general section about principles of imaging techniques and general issues.
The following sections are arranged by organ area, often initiated by a more generally chapter dealing with imaging techniques, challenges, and special features regarding the specific organ area.
Each chapter is very organized in a consistent structure and an attractive layout. It begins with an outline and has numerous references cited throughout the text and listed at the end. The anatomy and embryology is discussed in the first section, then follows a section concerning the various radiological techniques, before the sections of pathology and the radiological findings in in this particular organ. Among the sections around the pathology, smaller paragraphs are often inserted, concerning specific syndromes or diseases in the category, which gives a good overview over special pathology, which sometimes can be difficult to remember.
The chapters are richly illustrated with more than 4000 pictures in a very high standard from all modalities, and several tables, which gives a good overview of the issue.
At the end there is a 76-page subject index, but along with the book comes an online version, which works quite well, is clearly readable, and has a good search function and the ability to write notes.
The online version is compatible with PC, Mac, and most mobile devices.
The book is targeted at radiology residents and is intended for use during training and in preparation for board examinations. Senior radiologists will also find the book useful to refresh topics in which their knowledge has gone rusty.
Overall I think the book is a fine tool in the daily practice of radiology. The new editors succeed in continuing the high standard of this major work in radiology.