Book reviews

Abstract

P. Hutton, G.M. Cooper and F.M. James III, eds Butterworth, 2002 I was delighted to be asked to review this book, particularly as one of the editors is the current President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. I set about my task with enthusiasm. However, two things became immediately apparent. The first was that the errata came before any written text. To quote the legendary Willie John McBride, captain of the British Lions in South Africa, ‘get your retaliation in first’. The second was that the first of the four sections was written almost completely by Professor Hutton which is unusual, considering that he is one of the main editors. Although the chapters in the first section are clearly set out and well written, they do not flow in a set pattern, for example, emergence from anaesthesia precedes the major chapters on peri-operative care. This may leave the reader slightly confused. Nevertheless, as befits the author, this section is full of good common sense allied to the appropriate science. Any tyro in anaesthesia would benefit enormously from spending time reading this section. The second section is devoted to integrated basic sciences which are the foundation of anaesthetic practice. Each chapter is written by colleagues well versed in their subjects, and it is mandatory reading for those preparing for examinations. However, it may well be advisable to read one chapter at fixed intervals otherwise the reader may become overwhelmed by, or even drown in, facts, figures and diagrams. Furthermore, clinical teachers may also benefit from these chapters as they form an excellent basis for tutorials and presentations. It was about this far into the book that the colour and lay out of tables and graphs began to impinge on the memory. The background colour of purple seems to throw the various messages towards the reader. However, the continued absence of American authors and the very limited, rather dated, references had also become apparent, which was somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, armed with the knowledge gained in this section, vanity raised its ugly head and your reviewer felt he could tackle the Primary FRCA examination. Whether he would have passed, fortunately will never be tested! The third section regarding the presenting patient was therefore a logical progression. Once again, it is based on a solid scientific background and leads the reader into the best practice regarding patient care. It is highly recommended for both trainees and trainers. At the start of the fourth and final section, more than three-quarters of the way through this tome of some 1000 pages, I felt like an early settler in the western exploration of the USA, Red Indians all around and things looking grim. However, at the last minute come the bugle and the 7th Cavalry, alias most of the contributions from the USA. To my mind, this section is quite extraordinary. Some chapters are no more than two pages long and, I regret to say that, in my view, many would not have been accepted by most peer-reviewed journals. In fact, I have read better accounts of many of these subjects in recent journals relating to continuing professional development . Thus, after more than three months reading this latest textbook, I find myself in a quandary. The first three sections are of excellent quality and are of benefit to those who wish to establish their practice on the biblical rock. They are, therefore, recommended reading for those who aspire to the highest standards. However, the last section most certainly detracted from the excellent standard set in the first three sections. This weakness must be addressed in future editions. It comes as no surprise that I would not recommend the purchase of this textbook by individuals. However, both library and departmental copies would be most beneficial.