The wise and gifted teacher-physician earns our gratitude by undertaking the gargantuan task of recording his ideas and experience. Professor Hibbard has undertaken this task, but, unfortunately, his book is so flawed that it strengthens the belief that specialties as broad as obstetrics are better served by multiauthored textbooks in this information-laden age. Ideas and practices from across the Atlantic Ocean often show a sensible practicality, but so many variations from American standards of practice are advocated in this textbook that the novice obstetrician in the United States should beware of it.
Some examples of numerous controversial statements and omissions follow. In a list of indications for "antenatal cardiotocography," postmaturity is not included (p 132). In fact, there is no index heading for postmaturity at all. This subject is dealt with, in passing, under "failing placental function" (pp 439 and 440), but no practical guidelines are given, and the importance