In the preface, the authors make clear their intention that their book be "comprehensible rather than comprehensive, inclusive but concise." They have succeeded admirably.
Primarily an atlas, the quality of the photographs is, almost without exception, excellent. The text, tailored to an explanation of the illustrated material, is usually comprehensive and demonstrates the detailed, personal, and expert knowledge of meticulous observers. The writing is delightful, not dryly narrative.
Blood and aspirated marrow are covered, including both the vulgar and the exotic. Each topic has a detailed bibliography that is remarkably current.
The two main defects of the book are the absence of illustrations or references to some of the newer staining techniques and the lack of illustrations of those conditions in which core biopsies of the marrow are necessary for diagnosis because of "dry taps."
This book can teach the uninitiated and delight the expert.