2nd ed, by Barbara J. Bain, 200 pp, with illus, Malden, Mass, Blackwell Science Inc, 1999.The long-awaited second edition of the popular book by Barbara Bain, entitled Leukaemia Diagnosis, is now available. Like the first edition, the second edition is very easy to read and well written. The same general format is followed, including the use of helpful tables and charts that provide diagnostic criteria and important information and eliminate the need to reread the text. The pictures are very good; however, background erythrocytes in some are yellow or gray.The biggest strength of the second edition is the second chapter on the immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics of acute leukemia. This chapter is superbly written, concise, and up-to-date. Morphology is still important, but immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and genetic analysis by cytogenetics and molecular methods are equally important in the diagnosis and understanding of hematolymphoid disorders. The importance of integrating the multiple disciplines is recognized by the newer proposed classification systems for acute leukemias, namely, the MIC (morphologic-immunologic-cytogenetic) and MIC-M (MIC-molecular genetics) classifications.Specifically, Table 2.1 includes a fairly comprehensive list of all the important antibodies in the immunophenotypic characterization of acute leukemias. Similar to the first edition, diagrams of the important chromosomal translocations are helpful visual aids in understanding the translocations. The molecular mechanisms underlying the translocations, including the involved genes, are succinctly summarized. In addition, newer technologies, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization, are illustrated with some examples.Like the first edition, diagnostic criteria for the various French-American-British (FAB) subtypes for acute myelogenous leukemia are clearly spelled out in chapter 1. Expected cytochemical reactions are detailed quite extensively. In addition, the general remarks with regard to acute leukemia in the first part of the chapter are very pertinent, and important points are appropriately emphasized. However, I was hoping that the author would discuss the differential diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia M6 and myelodysplastic syndrome. The M6 subtype continues to be a confusing entity, despite the specific FAB criteria.Similar to the first edition, Table 3.2 and Figure 3.4 in chapter 3 on myelodysplastic syndromes are extremely helpful and provide practical approaches in the application of the FAB classification of myelodysplastic syndromes to patient cases. The section on the bone marrow core biopsy in myelodysplastic syndromes was expanded, particularly on potential immunostains that can be applied to aid in the morphologic examination. Criticisms of the FAB classifications are addressed appropriately with regard to myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as acute myelogenous leukemia.The last 2 chapters, which cover chronic myeloid leukemias and chronic lymphoid leukemias, are adequate but are not the strengths of the book. Although the other major types of chronic myeloproliferative disorders may not be leukemic in the true sense of the word, the lack of discussion of polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia makes that chapter appear incomplete.In summary, the second edition of Leukaemia Diagnosis is excellent and is highly recommended for both pathologists involved in the diagnosis of acute leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes and clinicians involved in the treatment and care of patients with such diseases.