Hematology: Clinical Principles andApplications

Edited by Rodak B.F. Fritsma G.A. Keohane E.M.Elsevier, Imprint Saunders, 4th Edn 2011 880 pages, color

illustrated. ISBN 9781437706925

Are textbooks on the way out to be substituted by Google

searches and Wikipedia contributions or is there still a

place for comprehensive sources of information? Weighing

against is that textbooks editions can be spread far apart

(Weinberg’s authoritative one on cancer is expected in a

new edition late 2011, 6 years after the latest). Weighing

for is the possibility for a more or less selected group of

readers to get an integrated (and hopefully balanced) view

on a given field. The passing of James H. Jandl in 2006

robbed us of one of the few persons, who had the ability to

write extended hematology textbooks in an engaging and

loving manner. Consequently, the vast majority of text-

books are now multi-authored.

This one is described as intended for ‘Medical Labora-

tory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, and the

faculty of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical

Laboratory Technician educational programs.’ Also in-

cluded are medical fellows and a claim for shelf value in

clinical departments. Quite a mouthful, but mostly true, in

fact, and with a very pleasing layout and well illustrated

both with regard to high-quality photomicrographs and

well thought through tables.

As with all multi-authored books, the prioritization of

subjects and the degree of detailing vary. Thus, I do think

that the red cells are over-represented (approximately 275

pages) with large chapters on the energy and iron

metabolism and the white under-represented (approxi-

mately 175 pages) with only 10 pages on acute leukemias.

In general, the text is very well written with a knowledge

level somewhat varying, highest for hemostasis and

thrombosis (160 pages) and red cells, somewhat lower

for leukocytes. As already mentioned, illustrations are first

rate and the readability and indeed the value of reading is

greatly increased by several didactic sections including an

initial case presentation (usually illustrated), a bullet

itemized summary, and closing questions, which allows

you to go back to the case with new eyes (solutions are

listed at the back). I do like that good laboratory

behavior ⁄ safety is an integrated part of the presentation.

For the next edition, I would suggest that some chapters

on methodologies (e.g. flow cytometry) are incorporated in

the chapters on the relevant diseases (an acute leukemia

chapter without flow histograms, but with Giemsa stains

only?).

In short, I can recommend this handsome book to

health personnel with medium long degrees, medical

students, and early fellows. For residents in training,

larger textbooks are needed.

And yes, we do need books like this one, and it has

considerable shelf value!

Peter Hokland

Department of Haematology,

University Department of Hematology and Medicine,

Aarhus Sygehus, Aarhus, Denmark

BOOK REVIEW

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0609.2011.01663.x European Journal of Haematology 87 (287)

ª 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S 287