It is commendable that authors from time to time attempt to distill the body of knowledge of a specialty in a single textbook, the old and traditional along with the new and experimental. This is a huge task, and not only does it help practicing physicians, but it sets the standard for current information so that future authors will have a reference when they attempt new textbooks.
This single volume is intended for practicing otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons, as well as senior residents and fellows and serious medical students and junior residents. It covers the traditional areas of otolaryngology, which include otology, neurotology, oncology, radiobiology, plastic surgery of the head and neck, oral surgery, and allergy in the upper respiratory tract. New topics, such as sleep apnea, lasers, an update of immunology, and interferon and cancer chemotherapy, have been included.
Because of its size and multiple authorship, one