This is one of a very few large comprehensive laryngology texts, now in its fourth edition. The editors and the various authors of the chapters are specialists with international reputations in their respective fields. In this edition, the text has been extensively revised, with 58 chapters now instead of the previous 48. It is subdivided into topics under basic sciences, clinical assessment and management. There are over 1000 pages with an A4 size format. There are an adequate number of diagrams and clinical pictures, as explanations of the topics being discussed. The majority of the topics have been updated and there are several new topics covering tissue engineering, the ageing voice, reinnervation, chronic cough and new trends in office-based procedures. Many of the chapters are truly at the forefront of current understanding and practice within laryngology.
I would not recommend this text as a first line read for a trainee considering a career in laryngology, but it should serve as a reference text of choice for both the trainee and practising laryngologist; also for speech and swallowing pathologists and even vocal coaches. With this interdisciplinary readership in mind, the editors have ensured that the writing style allows for easy understanding. This is a rather large text and quite expensive. It is something I would expect to be read at home or in a library, as it is too heavy to carry around. My own volume did not arrive with a CD ROM or access codes to an online version, something that is relatively commonplace these days. Overall I would recommend this book as there are no real negatives that I can find, and the content will be relevant for many years to come.
