British Journal of Radiology (2003) 76, 925
© 2003 British Institute of Radiology
doi:
A Concise Textbook of Radiology. Edited by P Armstrong, M L Wastie, pp. ix+705, 2001 (Arnold, London, UK), £95 ISBN 0-340-75938-0
S Golding
When I reviewed Armstrong and Wastie's book for medical students, I commented that it was so good that it made a suitable introduction for radiology trainees. Now here in its wake the same authors, now editors, offer a book doing precisely that; in effect an expanded version of their previous book on imaging in surgery.
Also like its predecessor, this book fulfils its objectives, and then some. This is not only a good introduction to Radiology but it is an excellent overview of the subject. It reflects faithfully the balance of radiological practice in terms of pathology and technique, including the growing edge. "Sound" is an over-used word but that is exactly what this book represents: a sound overview of diagnostic imaging. The editors have assembled a cast of radiologists who are well-known teachers in their respective fields and the effect shows.
There is very little to criticise in this book. Given the importance of the subject, it is a little surprising that the chest does not appear for 500 pages. No doubt this reflects the book's surgical predecessor but when the chest section comes it proves well worth waiting for.
One other point of pleasure: the authors have drawn exclusively from British hospitals, with one distinguished exception (who qualifies on other grounds). Those of my age and older will remember "British authors". If I am to judge from the evidence here, an honourable tradition has just been resurrected.
There is a strong argument for trainees gaining an overview of the specialty in the first year or so of their training and it is good to welcome a comprehensive basic book that provides them with this and should be in teaching departments. At today's prices the cost represents a bargain and trainees may well consider owning their own copy. On these grounds, and considering that the educational objective is transitory, the publishers might well consider producing a paperback version.
