ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine

Abstract

John Camm, Thomas F. Luscher, Patrick W. Serruys, eds 1136 pages. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing; 2006. $295. ISBN 1-4051-2695-7 Editor’s Note: In our effort to provide an insightful, balanced, and constructively critical review of the new first edition of the ESC Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine edited by Drs A. John Camm, Thomas F. Luscher, and Patrick W. Serruys that was published under the auspices of the European Society of Cardiology by Blackwell Publishing Ltd (2006), we have obtained the opinions of 3 distinguished senior cardiologists, Drs Gottlieb Friesinger, Desmond Julian, and Elliot Rapaport, to serve as a Select Panel for Review. To ensure the book was read in its entirety, the text was divided into thirds and apportioned equally to each reviewer; all 3 reviewers were assigned 4 chapters in common to read as well. This summary review by 3 individuals, each of whom is internationally recognized for expertise in the broad field of general cardiology, is offered in the spirit of helping the ESC achieve its stated objective of providing a textbook that is successful in covering the knowledge that should be required of all general cardiologists. ### General Comments This textbook is primarily targeted at the specific audience of those wishing to be accredited with the European Board for Accreditation in Cardiology (EBAC). It is not intended to be a work of reference, but, as stated in the foreword, of producing “a clinically focused resource for general cardiologists and trainees.” It presents 36 chapters within 1092 pages, each authored by anywhere from 2 to 6 multinational collaborating members of the European Society of Cardiology. One of its remarkable achievements in addition to the high standard of writing is its superb illustrations, figures, and tables that appear on virtually every page. They are well placed within the text and contribute in making …