Whenever a reviewer says a new book fills a definite need, he should immediately be looked upon with the suspicion he has no ability to use anything more than hackneyed phrases and no energy to truly tell much about the book. With Alimentary Tract Roentgenology, I must offer disclaimers and go ahead with the phrase "fills a definite need," for it does. We have not had an English work of such breadth and depth for a long time.
This is a two-volume work which is comprehensive, detailed, and generally excellent. The photographs are ample in number and high in quality. Appropriate introductory chapters on historical aspects, contrast media, equipment, anatomy, physiology, and pathology are to be appreciated. All nonradiologists are advised to read the chapter by Carbone on communication between radiologist and clinician.
The choice for authorship for the various chapters is for the most part highly appropriate. No better