This book is described by the authors in the Preface as an introductory text for graduates in physics and engineering as well as serving the needs of technical staff. The book shares its title with an earlier (1981) publication by the first two authors. It would be wrong, though, to think of the current book as simply a new edition, since it has obviously been completely rewritten. The scope of the book is wide, reflecting the diversity of activity in the medical physics and bioengineering profession in the United Kingdom. The topics covered include Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Physiological Measurement, Imaging using X-rays, Radioisotopes, Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound, the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and associated subjects including mathematics and statistics and safety-critical systems design. Such a wide scope means that the depth of coverage for each subject is limited and somewhat patchy; however, the authors largely fulfil their aim of producing an introductory text. Each major chapter of the book is largely self-contained, starting with a useful `introduction and objectives' section, and concluding with a set of problems consisting of a number of short questions intended to help the reader check that he or she has understood the material, and then some longer questions. Outline answers are provided for some of the longer questions. Each chapter also includes a bibliography. The structure means that the book does not work particularly well for reference. However, it is quite feasible to use one or two chapters as an introduction to a specific area. The book is obviously intended as a teaching tool, and this is reflected in the literary style, which is accessible and easy to follow. The balance between descriptive text and mathematics varies between sections, but in view of the diverse subject matter, this is probably inevitable. The overall impression is that a good balance has been struck. In places, the authors have included some very basic physics, but, given the breadth of both the subject matter and the intended audience, this is reasonable. There are justifiable criticisms of this book. The coverage of some clinically important areas is rather superficial - for instance, pulse oximetry, one of the most widespread physiological monitoring techniques, is covered in less than one page - whilst other less `mainstream' topics are given much greater space. Also, the overall choice of material reflects the book's British origin, and will be less relevant in countries where the links between medical physics - concerned primarily with ionizing radiation - and biomedical engineering are weaker. That said, this is undoubtedly a valuable book, which will surely find a place in the libraries of departments of Medical Physics and Bioengineering and on the recommended reading lists for both BSc and MSc courses in this area. Practising scientists and engineers will also find the accessible introductions that the book provides a good route into a new area. Overall, this is a useful and worthwhile book which can be recommended to practising scientists and engineers, to teachers of medical physics and bioengineering and to students. Geoff Cusick