Synaptic Plasticity in Pain, edited by Marzia Malcangio, offers a broad overview of pain pathways in the spinal cord and the changes that occur in these pathways during chronic pain conditions. Dr. Malcangio, herself a leader in the field of pain research, has recruited an array of experts to present a comprehensive review of basic topics in pain and neuroplasticity, as well as an introduction to current research directions and potentially new molecular targets for pain control. The stated audience for this book includes graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and academics involved in pain-related research. The book contains 22 chapters, divided into 5 parts, and a global index. Each chapter has its own extensive reference list. A nice feature is that the names of cited authors are listed in the index, so it is easy to find where specific references are mentioned in the text. Most chapters contain 3 to 5 high-quality figures. The book begins by describing fast excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Part I contains 2 chapters. The first chapter reviews the distribution, function, and plasticity of excitatory glutamatergic (NMDA and AMPA) receptors and neurokinin-1 receptors expressed by neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Chapter 2 describes the role of trophic factors such as nerve growth factor and glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor on the development and sensitization of primary nociceptive neurons. The 2 chapters in part II are devoted primarily to fast inhibitory synapses formed by γ-aminobutyric acid and glycinergic interneurons. The anatomy, physiology, and development of inhibitory transmission are presented in depth, as well as evidence that loss of inhibition can contribute to chronic pain states. Part III is titled “Slow Synaptic Transmission in the Dorsal Horn,” presumably to distinguish it from the fast synaptic transmission discussed in the first 2 parts of the book. The 4 chapters in this section describe the modulation of pain pathways by endogenous peptides, including substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and opioids. In part IV, the emphasis shifts from transmitters and receptors to neurophysiology, with a discussion of long-term potentiation and “windup” in nociceptive neurons of the spinal cord. The 3 chapters in this section offer excellent reviews of long-term potentiation, windup, and central sensitization, including our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these phenomena. Whereas parts I through IV of this book are meticulously organized, part V seems to be more of a mixed bag of topics. Entitled “Mechanisms and Targets for Chronic Pain,” it is the largest section of the book, containing 11 chapters and 200 pages. Most of these chapters focus on the modulation of pain by specific components of the immune system, including glial cells, cytokines, and prostanoids in the spinal cord, but also, in 1 chapter, peripheral inflammatory mechanisms that occur in arthritis. However, other chapters in this section cover such diverse topics as descending modulation of pain, visceral pain, pronociceptive effects of dynorphin A, and analgesic effects of cannabinoid compounds. Despite the somewhat unusual organization of part V, this book includes essentially all of the important aspects of synaptic function and plasticity related to pain. Most chapters provide excellent reviews of important components of the pain pathway, ranging from the earliest experiments identifying the roles of various molecules and cells in pain transmission, to discussions of more recent studies that attempt to use this knowledge for therapeutic potential. The chapters are necessarily concise, but extensively referenced, so students and others who are new to the field can explore topics in more detail. This book is a valuable reference for those interested in an overview of basic research on the physiology, pharmacology, and plasticity of pain pathways in the spinal cord.