Library Advisory
The Best From Saunders’ 2013 Shelf
New Releases from Elsevier in Language and Medicine
New Releases from Springer in Medicine
New Releases from Wiley & Sons in Science
From the Editor: Even though the following selections (divided by discipline and or genre) have not seen full-length features on the pages of The Electric Review, they are still among the strongest selections we have seen. Accordingly, we would recommend these books to libraries considering new acquisitions (for the reasons specified). In the case of reference material or textbooks, recommendations are made to help guide academic librarians who serve the student and professional reader.
THE BIBLE OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOMATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING. Second Edition. In four volumes. Gary E. Wnek. Gary L. Bowlin. Informa Healthcare.
This encyclopedia by Wnek and Bowlin is, quite simply, the definitive reference in biomedical engineering and biomaterial study, a volume that collects the analysis of some 450 researchers in the field while reflecting the depth and breadth of this wide-ranging subject. In essence, science is built on the connection of one disciple to the next – as this vast interweaving of different subject areas form the foundation of the ‘scientific model.’ Accordingly, this encyclopedia surveys the whole of biomaterials and biomedical engineering, with coverage of tissue engineering research; bioreactors; tissue mechanics; cellular interaction; artificial lungs and muscles; bio-artificial livers; total hip implants; bone remodeling; bone cement; tissue engineering as related to blood vessels; heart-valve engineering; controlled drug delivery; ocular implant drug delivery; endovascular stent grafts; and vascular grafts (to name random only highpoints). Basically, this text serves to build a bridge across the annals of scientific literature, melding the latest advances in material science with life science, nanotechnology and cell biology (showing how these separate and distinct areas of focus are wedded by a singular mission): To utilize the technological reach of science as a means to create more efficient products that will assist clinicians and surgeons in the direct treatment of patients. In sum, Encyclopedia of Biomaterials is a remarkably comprehensive tome covering the full scope of its topic in clear and eloquent terms – this selection destined to reside on the center-shelf of university-level libraries across the globe.
by John Aiello
Litigation For the Paralegal
FUNDAMENTALS OF LITIGATION FOR PARALEGALS. Marlene A. Maerowitz. Thomas A. Mauet. Aspen.
In this expertly written text (now in its sixth edition), students in paralegal programs are presented with an expanded overview of the litigation process – with an eye towards keeping pace with the ever-evolving practice of law. For example, Fundamentals of Litigation offers clear and informative passages on changes that went into effect regarding the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (in addition to exploration of the methods of alternative dispute resolution and ways that computers have changed the way practitioners litigate a case). Here, Maerowitz and Mauet prove to be adept legal writers with the ability to synthesize complex legal theories into crisp and digestible segments that never lose sight of their audience. Accordingly, the authors do not write as if lecturing to a room full of third-year law students about to take the Bar Exam. Instead, they have created a survey of the nuts-and-bolts of the litigation process and then presented it in a way that allows the prospective paralegal to gain a sure understanding of this grand labyrinth of rules and procedures.
by John Aiello
Benjamin Lewin’s Classic on Gene Study
Read a featured review of his text Cells here.
A CONCISE HISTORY OF WORLD POPULATION (Massimo Livi-Bacci; Blackwell).
This book has served as the literal authority in the study of demography for the last 15 years. Originally published in 1992 and now in its 4th edition, this text dissects the subject of population from its foundational roots, analyzing how evolving patterns of growth impact the core of the culture and the structure of society. In the course of his treatise, Livi-Bacci (Professor of Demography at the University of Florence) cites phenomena such as wars, disease and advances in technology as the collective catalysts which help to create the heart of the society. As we look into the future and examine issues such as global warming and the deterioration of fossil fuels, the importance of Livi-Bacci’s text becomes readily apparent. Simply, if the earth is to support a growth in population, answers to many basic questions are going to have to be realized. Is there enough space in cities to accommodate increasing numbers of people? Is there enough water to quench the thirst of a growing world? Will the increase in atmospheric temperature cause population patterns to change, in turn poisoning primary sources of food and water? Many factors play into the structure of world population, and Professor Livi-Bacci is a veritable expert at being able to impart his knowledge to the student community. World Population is noted for its clarity and depth, as Livi-Bacci transfers complicated ideas to the page in cogent and well-defined terms, speaking to his readers in a style that inspires deeper introspection of a subject that will affect them long after they have left the classroom.
Recommended as a primary text in all courses that study population patterns. In addition, this text deserves to be recognized as a foremost resource and should be included in all college-level libraries as a general reference text.
by John Aiello
Of Related Interest From Blackwell
THE BLACKWELL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOCIOLOGY. Edited by: George Ritzer. Blackwell.
In terms of library references, this just-released 11-volume set of encyclopedias from Blackwell marks a real event in the world of academic publishing (as related to the social sciences). Here, Ritzer has created the literal bible of sociology – a comprehensive and vital tome that houses an ever-evolving snapshot of the structure of our society. In Blackwell’s Encyclopedia of Sociology, the leading international voices in the field have been brought together to celebrate the study of sociology. Accordingly, students and researchers will be pleasantly surprised by the fact that these volumes are not prisoners of staid facts and graphs; instead, the authors have gone to great pains to lend an air of vitality to this point of reference that seeks to keep step with the ‘modern’ tech-driven reader. It is astounding to note that these volumes contain a whopping 1,800 entries that define key terms and concepts, their style dedicated to inspiring a more in depth and specialized study of the discipline. Topics of coverage include age and identity; AIDS; alcohol abuse; family and community; and disease causation (to name random high-points). Given the broad scope of this reference and the inarguable expertise of its writers, Blackwell’s Encyclopedia of Sociology deserves a place in all college-level libraries. Simply, we have seen no other sociological-based resource as comprehensive or as classy – this point of reference that outlines the academic mission in beautiful almost elegant terms, in turn recording our never-ending quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
by John Aiello
THE HANDBOOK OF CONTEMPORARY NEUROPHARMACOLOGY – in three volumes (edited by David R. Sibley, Israel Hanin, Michael Kuhar and Phil Skolni) dissects the effects drugs have on the human nervous system. This reference provides comprehensive analysis of advancements that have taken place in the field, providing a go-to guide for both students and researchers working toward the development of new medications for treatment of neurological afflictions. The handbook includes relevant discussion of schizophrenia, psychosis, substance abuse, addictive disorders and pain (among other topics).
Happy Birthday To John Wiley & Sons
“Knowledge for Generations”
The big news in academic publishing in 2007 centers on John Wiley & Sons, as the global publisher turns 200 this year. Wiley, which was born back in 1807, has seen everything from the Industrial Revolution to multiple World Wars to the technological wizardry of the internet on its way to assuming its position as a beacon of the book world.
“Countries celebrate bicentennials, not companies,” notes President and CEO William J. Pesce. “Founded in 1807, during the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson, Wiley has endured the War of 1812, the Civil War, two World Wars, as well as the Great Depression….”
It is a stunning achievement for a publisher to stick around for two full centuries amid an industry that is known for precipitous peaks and valleys. For this kind of feat, it’s not enough for the writing to hum and the editing to be flawless – instead, the books being published must capture the deep essence of their subject matter while carrying the potential for long-range influence in multiple disciplines.
Teaching texts. Reference texts. Technology and general business selections. Cross-over titles with the dexterity to leap the confines of the classroom into your living room – Wiley’s catalog houses many of the brightest international writers at the zenith of their craft, their work taking generation after generation to the ‘next plateau.’
Yet, Wiley is hardly content to rest on past laurels. To the contrary, the publisher has recently acquired the core of Blackwell Publishing as it looks to place its unique editorial handprint on even more of the literature that passes into the student-realm.
“Since our founding, Wiley has championed early American literature, produced textbooks that helped define fields of study, and published bestsellers and the works of Nobel Laureates,” says Peter Booth Wiley, Chairman of the Board and one of six generations of Wiley descendants to lead the company forward. “We have been an integral part of every generation’s journey, a valued source of information…”
It may be hard to imagine, but Booth-Wiley is not boasting; in the case of John Wiley, he is only stating fact. A closer look reveals that in addition to its stunning cadre of science and medical writers, Wiley also published such seminal American scribes as James Fenimore Cooper, Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens – authors whose minds helped to shape the modern face of a brand new literature.
As Pesce inferred, Wiley has seen millions of hours of history pass into the mirror, and its writers have been there to sift though the fragments of bone and record each infinite shape of changing perspective, creating this sprawling document of our lives that will live on permanently in libraries at the four corners of the earth. For a book publisher moving into its 3rd century, there can be no greater accomplishment than that.
As Wiley has proven time and again, the mission of the writer is to teach the world about itself and its true core. And the role of the publisher, then, is to circulate those words to as vast an audience as possible. A true and holy symbiotic relationship.
1807 – 2007: Few can dispute that Wiley’s first 200 years has been a joyful ride, one which has given breath to many profound and penetrating thoughts and ideas.
by John Aiello
Reference Spotlight: The Best From the Saunders’ 2013 Shelf
FANAROFF AND MARTIN’S NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE: DISEASES OF THE FETUS AND INFANT. Richard J. Martin. Avroy A. Fanaroff. Michele C. Walsh. Mosby.
Those in the know insofar as neonatal treatment often refer to this tome as the ‘bible of baby medicine.’ Simply, everything the practicing pediatrician needs for quick and efficient reference is contained here. Now in its 9th edition, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine covers the latest developments in terms of diagnosis and treatment of the most common afflictions that affect mother, fetus and neonate. Expert illustrations provide the clinician with insightful dissection of data and further allow the doctor to transfer information from page to patient in seamless fashion.
Recommended to both the physician in practice and to all health science librarians as a permanent reference.
Of Related Interest
KLAUS AND FANAROFF’S CARE OF THE HIGH RISK NEONATE. 6th EDITION. Jonathan M . Fanaroff. Avroy A. Fanaroff. Saunders. Now in its 6th edition, this text covers the latest developments, guidelines and technological advances in terms of providing treatment for the high risk infant-patient. Fanaroff and Fanaroff are experts in the field and they have engaged contributions from other leading clinicians in order to create a reference that is without peer in the realm of neonatal medicine.
Recommended to both the practicing physician and to all health science libraries for its long-term reference value.
BREAST IMAGING: CASE REVIEW SERIES. Second Edition. Cecilia M. Brennecke. Saunders. This text (now in paperback) is constructed to allow the prospective radiologist to address the fine-points of breast imaging as they work towards certification or re-certification in the field. Topics of coverage include how to achieve accurate pattern recognition; clinical correlation; and differential diagnosis of mass-tissue. Additionally, the reader is able to prepare for ultimate board examination because the authors have provided their readers with multiple review questions for each of the 200 cases presented. This one’s a must-have resource for any radiologist, with Breast Imaging’s breadth of knowledge extending from the classroom to the laboratory.
Finally, instructors in the field would be hard-pressed to find a better text for adoption.
by John Aiello
Previously Featured
EVIDENCE-BASED PHYSICAL DIAGNOSIS. Steven McGee. Saunders.
This reference guides doctors on how to examine patients, with McGee outlining the most effective protocols for arriving at the right diagnosis. This 3rd edition is noted for the wealth of new data it brings to the table. Especially important are the passages that delineate how to diagnose systolic murmurs; the presentation on diagnosing acute vertigo; and the best approach to take in diagnosing pleural effusions (a section of extreme importance for physicians treating the post-cardiac-surgery patient). Simply, this marks the gold-standard in diagnostic manuals.
INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE. David Rakel. Saunders.
Here, Rakel looks to the future, providing an in depth guide for physicians on how to safely integrate alternative therapies into the treatment regimen. What sets this book apart from the pack is the fact that Rakel offers an evidence-based approach – rather than relying on presumptive hypothesis, he conveys protocols that have been proven to work. In turn, physicians who employ this model can do so with the confidence that they are not fumbling in the dark, but instead, following a path that has been completely paved by a thoughtful cadre of pioneers.
MINOR EMERGENCIES. Philip Buttaravoli. Saunders.
This book has myriad practical uses for both the primary care physician and the ER doctor, succinctly outlining how doctors should proceed in putting out the many kinds of small fires that befall so many people in the course of daily life. Basically, Buttaravoli’s text is a manual designed to teach doctors what to do and what not to do when confronted with minor emergencies (like fractures) in order to extinguish the embers before they bloom into a full-blown conflagration.
FERRI’S CLINICAL ADVISOR 2012. Fred F. Ferri.
Ferri’s Clinical is the best general office reference we have seen this year, designed to address the most common situations that confront the physician practicing on the front-lines. Here, Dr. Ferri outlines current diagnostic and treatment information on over 700 conditions with the convenient “5 Books-in-1” format allowing the reader to find what they need quickly and without undue loss of time. Finally, the wide assortment of bullet-points, tables and boxes serve to support the text, underscoring key passages. If you’re a clinician and you adopt one reference to augment the daily care of patients, this should the book you choose.
by John Aiello
Rounding Up the Springer Shelf For 2012
RARE TUMORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. Dominik T. Schneider. Ines Brecht. Thomas Olson. Andrea Ferrari. Springer-Verlag.
This book is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on rare tumors in children and adolescents, offering salient direction on their diagnosis and clinical management. Compiled by a multidisciplinary group of specialists who have vast expertise in treating these neoplasms.
SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY: DYNAMICS, DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE. Michael Kreutz and Carlo Sala. Springer.
This introduces current concepts of molecular mechanisms in synaptic plasticity, providing “a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research technology used to investigate the molecular dynamics of the synapses. It explores current concepts on activity-dependent remodeling of the synaptic cytoskeleton and presents the latest ideas on the different forms of plasticity in synapses and dendrites.” Vital to the library of any neurologist or organic psychologist for its long-term reference value.
COCHLEAR MECHANICS. Hendrikus and Hengel. Springer.
What are the basic differences between linear and nonlinear cochleae? The authors compiled this book with the belief that few graduate students know them, but should. The authors posit that linear analysis still leads to inefficient and possibly incorrect interpretation of the biophysics of the cochlea. Useful to scientists in auditory neuroscience, as well as graduate students in biophysics/biomedical engineering.
AGING RESEARCH IN YEAST. Michael Breitenbach. Michal Jazwinski. Peter Laun. Springer.
This book compiles some of the most exciting and promising research to date in the fields of anti-aging, longevity, and possibly even rejuvenation. The authors’ research examines the role of senescence in yeast and how it may relate to the chaotic autophagy of cancer cells. In sum, AGING RESEARCH will stir interest in both scientific and non-scientific arenas.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL ONCOLOGY: STATE-OF- THE-ART CANCER MANAGEMENT. Ashley Matteotti. Springer-Verlag.
For the general surgeon and surgical trainee alike, this valuable resource provides an up-to-date guide on how to minimize the pain and stress of surgery, especially for cancer patients. Serving as a text book and operative atlas rolled into one, this reference takes a far-reaching and sometimes futuristic view of non-invasive treatments for internal diseases.
STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS. Dean Cvetkovic; Irena Cosic (Editors). Springer-Verlag.
This collection of research studies the intricate nature of human consciousness, focusing on the waking state; the different stages of sleep; dreaming; and meditation. This comprehensive reference proves vital to the work of neuroscientists, neurologists, biomedical engineers and clinical psychologists, in addition to religious, philosophical and educational professionals.
CMR AND MDCT IN CARDIAC MASSES. Alexis Jacquier. Springer-Verlag.
CMR AND MDCT focuses on cardiac masses; it was designed to review the different CMR sequences and CT acquisition protocols used to explore cardiac masses, highlighting their diagnostic capabilities. Intended for both students and experienced practitioners in radiology, cardiology or thoracic pathology.
ENDEMIC CRETINISM. John Dennison, Peter Obendorf and Charles Oxnard, Editors. Springer.
This book addresses a re-emerging world problem identified, namely the role of iodine deficiencies on cognitive and other mental dysfunctions. Some two billion people worldwide have iodine deficiencies. Seven hundred and fifty million have goiters; over ten million are cretins. This book serves to provide clinical approaches for treatment while also raising public awareness of this sad and growing problem.
TELENEUROLOGY BY INTERNET AND TELEPHONE. Andrew Larner. Springer.
The explosion of medical information on the web and the diagnostics and remedies provided, often derided as a treasure trove for hypochondriacs, is an increasing element in the interaction between patients and providers, especially in the of referrals. This slim volume covers both the benefits and challenges clinicians encounter as a result of this phenomenon.
NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS: A CLINICAL GUIDE. Orla Hardiman. Colin Doherty. Springer.
This book is an absolute must for clinicians who deal with patients presenting symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease; Dementia and Cerebrovascular Disease; Parkinson’s Disease; Fronto-Temporal Dementia; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; and Huntington’s Disease. With outstanding analysis of both treatment/management approaches as well as implementation of palliative-care strategies.
BREATH ODORS: ORIGIN, DIAGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT. Nir Sterer. Mel Rosenberg. Springer.
This reference serves as an important and somewhat overdue look at a health problem often trivialized by advertisements and jokes: bad breath. Bad breath can stem from multiple causes and can help to diagnose a variety of health situations – many of them serious. In short, BREATH ODORS should be required reading for every general practitioner across the globe.
CASE-BASED ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY. Theodore Abraham. Springer.
No heart specialist should be without this book, which expounds on advanced and sophisticated interpretation of echocardiographic data. CASE BASED ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY liberally uses images and actual patient histories to teach the reader how to interpret echo results. Vital to any health-care professional who uses echocardiography in the daily course of their practice.
by Zepp Jamieson
© Bryan Zepp Jamieson. All rights reserved.
Zepp Jamieson was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and spent his formative years living in various parts of Canada, the UK, South Africa and Australia before finally moving to the United States, where he has lived for over 40 years. Aside from writing, his interests include hiking, raising dogs and cats, and making computers jump through hoops. His wife of 25 years edits his copy, and bravely attempts to make him sound coherent. Reach him through The Electric Review.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY. Third Edition; in 6 Volumes. James Swarbrick. Informa Healthcare.
Insofar as encyclopedic references on the subject of Pharmacology, this title by James Swarbrick (PharmaceuTech, Pinehurst, North Carolina) sets the standard in the field and creates the ultimate go-to-guide on all aspects of this ever-evolving area of concentration.
As inferred by its title, this selection speaks to the whole of pharmaceutical studies in deep detail, covering the subject with an erudite eye – an eye that only someone with Swarbrick’s layered expertise could bring to readers.
Here, we are presented with an encyclopedic reference that covers the ‘life’ of a typical pharmaceutical product from the birth-stage through development and marketing (and into the patient’s hands). In his treatise, Swarbrick provides the latest research and perspective on a field that seems to be in a constant state of flux (with new drugs and revised FDA guidelines continually challenging the healthcare community to stay current with pharmaceutical issues that directly impact patient care).
This particular edition offers myriad upgrades from its two predecessors, providing readers with a ‘one-stop’ resource that marries the technical aspects of drug manufacturing and research with the practical side of dosage questions and drug commercialization. Moreover, the information is delivered in clear and incisive prose, with many electronic-based features (such as customized RRS feeds) available to those readers who wish to bring this printed data to the convenience of their PCs.
As far as pharmacy-based reference books, we have not seen any title come close to James Swarbrick’s set of encyclopedias – these books that not only serve as a professional point of reference (for the practicing pharmacist and scientific researcher) but also could work as ‘on-reserve’ supplements to course-texts for students in advanced programs.
Simply, this book is like having a pharmaceutical library at your fingertips, notable for providing answers to the latest questions in a fascinating field of study that impacts each of our lives on a daily basis.
Recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text: this title is a must-have for every medical school library because of its breadth of intelligence and comprehensive tone. Additionally, it would prove useful to all researchers involved with drug development and product validation.
by John Aiello
HANDBOOK OF PAPER AND BOARD. Herbert Holik. John Wiley.
Synopsis: This book serves as the complete and authoritative resource examining the production of paper products, summarizing the “manufacturing processes” for different kinds of paper (including writing and printing paper; tissue paper, packaging paper; and board/cardboard). In addition, the authors discuss various ways to treat wastepaper and the economic considerations these treatment plans naturally create. In Handbook, 20 leading voices on the paper-making industry come together to discuss how paper is made, seasoned and treated, blended into the many products the world uses on an daily basis yet nonetheless takes for granted. Holik (a mechanical engineer who has taught at various Universities in Europe) did a first rate job in editing this manuscript as it provides succinct yet layered exploration into the myriad forms paper takes and the many processes it must go through as it winds its way from the mill to the inside of your office, home and workshop. Included is deep analysis of waste management in the paper process; grading; coating; and testing.
Recommended because: Of its comprehensive and unique scope. Simply, there isn’t another reference book around that delves this deeply into the subject of paper products, speaking in clear and erudite terms about a resource we all use and commonly ignore. What’s best about Holik’s treatise is that it not only looks at paper products from a raw materials stand-point, but also explores the many techniques of production in order to give the reader a clear sense of how broad and complicated the making of paper and board can be. The tint of your fancy colored bond; the note pad that hangs on the refrigerator with the tight adhesive lip; the cardboard-lined sun visor on Uncle Joe’s Old GMC: each of these items required something different to be done during the manufacturing phase in order to build different grades of paper for radically different purposes. Accordingly, this text is about making aspects of the paper production process understandable to both the student and practicing scientist (stimulating a deeper awareness of an important academic subject).
Recommended to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. In addition, practicing Chemists and Mechanical Engineers involved in aspects of the paper-making process will find this text useful because of its clear delineation of a multi-dimensional industry. As a writer, Mr. Holik has met his mission and built a one-of-a-kind text on paper production – a selection observed for its crisp and sharp efficiency.
by John Aiello
Of Related Interest
STRUCTURE, DEFORMATION, AND INTEGRITY OF MATERIALS: VOLUME I: FUNDAMENTALS AND ELASTICITY/VOLUME II: PLASTICITY, VISCO-ELASTICITY, AND FRACTURE. Gijsbertus de With. Wiley-VCH.
This text is noted for its dissection of the thermomechanics of materials, synthesizing its subject via analysis of atomic scale, the mesoscale of microstructures and morphology. de With uses multiple examples (together with practical study problems) in order to explore the macroscopic level of actual components. We have noted this selection for its ability to convey data to both the introductory and advanced student, the author skillfully stitching together aspects of chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering to build this timeless reference on the material sciences. The Electric Review has recommended it in addition to Holik’s Handbook On Paper because these two texts show a unique ability to peer into the depth of material properties with true scientific precision (in turn setting out a clear task for students). And that task? To understand that matter takes on myriad shapes and forms and comes to be reborn many times over again for the long-term benefit of man.
Recommended to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to instructors as a supporting class text: Ideally, this books would be kept on reserve in the library and used as a reference point for students as they work through their research assignments.
by John Aiello
AN INTRODUCTION TO BIOETHICS. John Bryant. Linda Baggott la Velle. John Searle. Wiley.
Synopsis: Introduction to Bioethics comes to us from the editors of Bioethics for Scientists, a text for an undergraduate bioethics class developed specifically for science students in the Education program at University of Exeter. In keeping with the rich Wiley tradition, each of the authors is well-accomplished in the field: Professor John Bryant teaches at the School of Biological Sciences at Exeter; Linda Baggott la Velle is Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol (specializing in Science Education and Biology); and the Rev. Dr. John Searle (no relation to Dr. John Searle from the University of California, Berkeley’s Philosophy Department) is an Anglican priest who also serves as President of Exeter and District Hospice. Readers will find Bioethics a well-ordered textbook formatted in traditional style. The first chapters introduce the subject and place it in its proper social context, providing a thorough discussion of fundamental vocabulary. From here, the authors launch into specific subject topics, including: the human responsibility to the natural world and the animal kingdom; biotechnology; modern genetics; reproduction; and end-of-life issues. A highlight of the presentation is a special chapter examining the need for a “Hippocratic Oath” (or a Code of Ethics) for biological scientists, reproducing in full the text of a proposed code written by Dr. Nancy L. Jones and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. Readers should note that central discussion points are separated from the main body of the text, with most conclusions left to be reached through the moving dynamic of the classroom.
Recommend because: Of its unique mission as this is a book meant to fill a major void within the academic world. As previous writers have observed, contemporary scientists seldom concern themselves with the historical, philosophical or ethical aspects of their work (and the same holds true for students in the arena of the Biological Sciences). In addition, during the last decade, advances in technology have greatly influenced myriad growth in the Biological Sciences, in turn creating a parallel need for greater consideration of both environmental and medical ethics. And that’s just where Bioethics comes into play. Although various biological techniques are taught in universities across the globe, there are very few courses (and even fewer books) that cover ethics for biologists. Accordingly, this text was written to meet the specific needs of biologists throughout the English speaking world, offering a substantial contribution to the didactic literature in bioethics. In light of its scope and vision, this text will be a welcome addition to the teaching literature on bioethics for undergraduate students (and a must-buy for every academic library world-wide).
Recommended to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. Further suggested to instructors teaching courses that investigate subjects of ethics within the broad study of science.
by John Ward
© John Ward. All rights reserved.
John D. Ward, who was educated at San Jose State University, holds degrees in Library & Information Science and Biology. He works on staff at the University of California, Davis Medical Center Library located in Sacramento, California. Reach him care of The Electric Review.
THE MERCK MANUAL. Various Contributing Authors. Merck. Distributed by John Wiley and Sons.
Synopsis: The Merck Manual is over 100 years old and serves as a trusted source of clinical medical information on diseases and disorders that afflict the myriad organ systems of the human body. Using a sharp, dictionary-style finger-tab format, this 18th edition of ‘The Manual’ is premised on being easy to use. As noted, this version features visible index tabs on the outside pages which note different topic areas (“Skin”; “Hematology”; “Eye Disorders”), allowing the reader to immediately find the subject area they need without searching through the index. All major areas of medical study are included, with sharply written passages that build into mini-capsules of the human body, these perfect illustrations of the primary disorders that are known to adversely impact human health.
Recommended because: The Merck Manual is, by far, the quintessential small-format handbook built for in-office use by the medical professional. In addition to the wide breadth of data that fills these pages, this book stands out because of its organization and the way it has been constructed. The editors have designed The Merck Manual to meld with the way doctors and nurse practitioners think — easy to decipher topic-tabs alert the user to chapter content without ever having to crack the book or search through a complicated index. This feature saves real time and gives doctors a key to the information they need in a seamless and unobtrusive way. Moreover, the new edition of Merck has a deep and comprehensive tone, and includes reference material to 21st century problems like SARS and germ/biological warfare — literally chronicling the times in which we live from a stark and piercing scientific point of view. Finally, the contributing authors and editors who have shaped this book are undisputed leaders in their fields and their work as collected in this selection is simply some of the best science writing we’ve seen in 2006.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text, serving as an erudite compilation of the diseases and disorders that assault the human body. Merck is further recommended as an in-office reference tool for practicing physicians, ER personnel and nurse practitioners as a way to facilitate patient evaluation and survey typical treatment options. A first-rate text in every aspect, and one of the best general medical science manuals to see release this year.
by John Aiello
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GENETICS, GENERICS, PROTEOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS. Edited by Lynn Jorde. Peter Little. Mike Dunn. Shankar Subramaniam. Wiley.
Synopsis: As we’ve noted many times before on these pages, John Wiley is a leader in scientific publishing. Moreover, Wiley is a true trend-setter in the way that encyclopedic reference works are organized and marketed for use among the academic community. Genetics compiles more than 450 articles in 8 volumes detailing myriad topics as related to genetics, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, in addition to discussion of the varied technologies that support each of these focuses of study. The material on genetics is especially pertinent and timely given the advances in stem cell research that have occurred during the last decade (I would venture to say that if there is a cure for cancer is on the horizon, it is likely to be born in science’s ultimate understanding of the gene model). Here, Jorde (University of Utah) and co-editors have done a remarkable job in coordinating this information, distilling it into a package that is both easy to navigate and over-flowing in discovery. For example, the sections on genetics flow freely from point-to-point, examining variation and evolution, with a thought-provoking chapter on genetic signatures and natural selection. Additionally, the material on the genetic structure of human pathogens is especially important given the world-wide threat posed by the Avian Flu. Among the many highlights is David Fenyo’s article on “Protein Fingerprinting, serving as a sharp and layered introduction into this burgeoning area of scientific interest.
Recommended because: Of the sheer ground covered under the umbrella of one title. Genetics is truly a startling title in the way it is able to encompass so much information without ever losing its focus or becoming fragmented (or lack-luster). For encyclopedias to be worthy of library inclusion, they must set forth an ambitious course. First of all, a well-developed encyclopedia must survey the history of its subject and give the reader a precise overview of the research that has taken place to date. Once this is done, the point-of-view must quickly switch to the future and to new ideas and premises, shifting into a reference tool that can be used to extrapolate data and foster deep interest and keen introspection. Accordingly, Genetics is just this kind of encyclopedia: while it provides an accurate record of the thinking that has taken place in these multiple areas of concentration, it also urges its readers to continue searching and investigating, inspiring science to its ultimate mission. And that is to unlock the many mysteries of life.
Wiley offers Genetics in both print and electronic versions, making it appropriate for both Health Science libraries and for researchers who might want to refer to articles/data on-line and while at work in the laboratory. Additionally, individual articles can also be purchased for $25.00 each, making it an affordable study tool for graduate students under tight budget constraints.
by John Aiello
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS. Editor-in-Chief: Keith Brown. Forthcoming in its Second Edition. Elsevier.
This encyclopedia, 10-plus years removed from the initial release, continues to set the standard in the field. ELL2, set for publication later this fall, has been updated in its entirety. In addition to the text version, it features a complete and independent online edition that has been designed specifically for the new breed of student.
What’s best about this selection is that it is quick to recognize the fact that technology has changed the landscape of both education and research, in turn realizing that heretofore traditional reference works have had to change to keep up with the way that these new generations learn.
Most encyclopedias of this kind lumber and plod along — somewhat stodgy, many times outdated and out-of-touch with the typical student user. But not so with ELL2. The editors of this work have done a fine job in making it meaningful to the new century’s readers by including cutting-edge topics that were hardly relevant (or developed) when the first edition was born in 1993.
A vast amount of material is covered in these 14 volumes, with careful attention given to both contemporary and traditional subject matter. Standout segments include chapters on Law and Language, Cognitive Science, Semiotics and Politics and Language — the latter being an especially thought-provoking and multi-layered topic given the state of our war-torn world.
With over 3,000 articles and 39,000 references, this volume is vital to all college-level libraries as the most comprehensive language resource of its kind.
by John Aiello
HANDBOOK OF OPTICAL SYSTEMS. Volume 2: Physical Image Formations. W. Singer. M. Totzeck. H. Gross – Editors. Wiley-VCH.
Synopsis: This six volume set outlines in complete terms the principles of lens design and the “calculation, layout and understanding of Optical Systems.” Volume Two is focused on image formation as it relates to optical systems, beginning with wave equation and the theory of diffraction. From this juncture, the phenomenon of interference and coherence are examined, moving into The Abbe Theory of Imaging. The centerpiece of this volume comes in the discussion of Three Dimensional Imaging and in the specific image examples of selected objects (from which point the reader is able to move into investigation of special system applications). A multitude of graphs and references augment each chapter.
Recommended because: of the breadth of this material (and the in depth presentation by its authors). As noted, this is not some superficial “bird’s eye view” of optical systems, but instead, a complete examination of a subject with far-reaching use in myriad international industries. Accordingly, the editors have designed a six volume set that is coherent and sharply written, an exploration into an often ignored sub-specialty of the physical sciences. However, this information and the way it is presented (layer upon layer rising to build the full and supple picture of its subject) has not be attempted before — and probably could not be replicated. It is simply that thorough and well-defined (the culmination of decades of research and study by three world-renowned physicists/authors whose understanding of optical systems is unparalleled).
This six volume set (note that we specifically have reviewed volume two) is a necessary addition to all University-level libraries as a general reference text. We simply have not seen any other reference on the market that touches upon these areas in such comprehensive terms.
by John Aiello
WATER ENCYCLOPEDIA. Jay H. Lehr. Jack Keeley. Wiley-Interscience.
Synopsis: This text marks the authoritative reference encyclopedia on the subject of transporting/supplying water to homes, municipalities and industrial settings. In addition to in-depth and profoundly important discussion on ways to safely insure the quality of a water supply to this varied bank of users, the authors take their topic one step further and explore the physics and chemistry of waste water disposal (an issue of huge import to urban areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, since their swelling infrastructures have created both a greater need for water and a troublesome problem of what to do with the massive amounts of waste products being created on a daily basis). A sampling of chapters include analysis of septic tank systems, safe water storage, windmills, and public-health protection of drinking water.
Recommended because: There is no other resource on Water as thorough and comprehensive as this exploration into the topic (which is so vital to the generations of the new millennium). Given the state of our environment, and given the fact that so many housing developments have encroached on the natural watersheds in communities throughout the United States, our water supplies are truly in jeopardy. Accordingly, the task of bringing water to domestic, urban and commercial settings is now an immediate concern for both scientists and city planners. No one should lose sight of the fact that the steady increase in population not only means a need for more water, but also means a need for jurisdictions to be able to safely dispose of waste-water in a manner that does not threaten the environment or its inhabitants (human and otherwise). This text — written by two of the foremost researchers in the field — is a definitive reference tool that holds a lot of answers.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text in the environmental/civic planning section. It is also an imperative manual for all city planners in areas big and small: many of the tough issues relating to managing a water supply are confronted in these pages.
by John Aiello
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE. Jozef L. Teugels. Bjorn Sundt, Editors. John Wiley.
Synopsis: It’s probably no coincidence that such a large number of long-term reference texts reviewed on these pages are published by John Wiley. In our estimation, and based on the selections we’ve seen over the last 3 years, Wiley has some of the finest academic researchers in the world writing and editing for them. And this encyclopedia of actuarial science is no exception, for it marks another stunning effort on the part of this centuries-old publisher headquartered on the East Coast. This series of texts collects the most recent data on how professional actuaries should proceed in evaluating statistical data in order to accurately compute insurance rates and assign risk. There is so much information in this multi-volume set that it is almost mind-boggling, with the thoughts of the most noted experts on the subject represented in these pages. And the topics of coverage are as varied as the authors. Readers will note in-depth analysis of many different subjects which are of immediate relevance to our world-wide financial systems; these include discussion of accident insurance, asset liability modeling, aggregate loss modeling, diffusion processes and financial reinsurance (to name a select few).
Recommended because: Of the breadth of its coverage and because of the way the authors have edited the material, binding one subject area to the next in order to create a seamless and well-paced encyclopedic text (which not only defines terms and concepts but also inspires its readers to engage in deeper self study of these keys areas of our economic and insurance systems). The Enron scandal and the recent investigation of several aspects of our insurance industry by the New York Attorney General demonstrate that corporations are playing fast and lose with investor funds, all to the detriment of the general populace. Thus, it’s time for economists and actuaries to take a refresher course on the intricacies of their profession. This series of encyclopedias is a timeless resource setting forth the basic information on actuarial science and then expanding on ancillary topics that grow naturally from the material. Although we are recommending it for library consideration, professional actuaries and accountants with major corporate practices would be well served to reference this material in the daily course of their work.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. It is also recommended for insurance actuaries and corporate-level CPAs affiliated with the insurance industry because of its comprehensive coverage of the subject matter. Finally, it should be considered by government economists and similarly situated actuaries focused on assessing and assigning risk.
BAILEY’S INDUSTRIAL OIL AND FAT PRODUCTS. Sixth Edition. Fereidoon Shahidi. Wiley Interscience.
Synopsis: Now in its sixth edition, this series of texts has been a main-stay in academic/scientific circles for the past 60 years. Originally published in 1945 during World War Two, it focuses on a complete analysis of all edible fats and oils known to man. Beginning with a survey of the chemistry of fatty acids, the text moves into chapters and volumes that discuss topics such as lipid oxidation, animal fats versus vegetable oils, the flavor and sensory aspects of oil/fat products, comprehensive breakdown of the different kinds of edible oil/fat products (butter, olive oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil etc.), the various applications of these myriad products, and the standard processing technologies used to prepare such products for commercial sale. In addition, there is an entire volume specifically dedicated to exploration of the non-edible materials derived from oil and fat-based products.
Recommended because: The subject of edible oils and fats and their impact on the human body is of monumental interest and importance to health care researchers throughout the world. The on-going investigation into trans fats and saturated fats is at the top of the list of dietary concerns for most nutritionists. Moreover, the problem of high cholesterol and sky-rocketing lipid levels is of epidemic proportions in America — a major contributing risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other vascular disease. Accordingly, the greater Science’s understanding of the properties of fat-based products the better chance researchers will have at developing more effective lipid-control medications that not only might keep cholesterol in check but could also limit potential damage to the hepatic system. Conquering this question begins by unlocking the information contained within these pages.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference. Shahidi’s text — a one of-a-kind effort — is a foundational reference book that demands the attention of all students and teachers focused on understanding the properties of edible fats and oils.
by John Aiello
Who Is Informa Healthcare?
Informa Healthcare publishes medical science data for all segments of the professional and academic healthcare sector, its selections notable for their clarity, depth-of-focus and long-term reference value.
Although Informa Healthcare may sound new to some readers, its position within the annals of healthcare literature is well-established, publishing under the gold-star imprints Taylor & Francis, Marcel Dekker, Martin Dunitz, Parthenon, CRC Press and with the Mayo Clinic Scientific Press. Topic areas of concentration include standard-setting titles in the disciplines of Dermatology, Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, and Pharmaceutical Science.
In addition to print publications, Informa Healthcare has stayed current with these Internet-driven times and integrated myriad alternative formats into its publishing program, including various on-line databases and news services (Pharmaprojects; Map of Medicine and the soon to be released InformaWorld) that augment its highly respected review journals with true creative precision.
A review of the Informa Healthcare portfolio reveals a startling list of achievements, as the publisher releases over 250 new medical and pharmaceutical science books each year. Moreover, Informa Healthcare publishes over 200 peer-reviewed journals that professionals have come to depend on in order to connect them to the most clinically relevant medical and pharmaceutical research.
Informa Healthcare is also recognized among health science librarians as being synonymous with the Reference Shelf, which is why so many Taylor and Francis and CRC titles we have reviewed on our pages come with a specific library recommendation.
Simply, Informa Healthcare ’s authors and editors are acutely aware of what it takes to draft a reference that will have multi-dimensional uses and appeal, spanning generational chasms, meeting the varied demands of scientific research. Probably no other title speaks to this more than Informa Healthcare ’sbest-selling Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology (fourth edition due in October), a magnificent six volume set edited by the esteemed James Swarbrick presenting both foundational and clinical aspects of the discipline in sharp and lively tones.
Other hallmark titles on the Informa Healthcare backlist (which boasts a whopping 6,000 entries) include Litt’s Drug Eruption Reference (12th edition); andPrinciples and Practices in Cutaneous Laser Surgery (a text that has come to be the reference of choice among surgeons who practice within this evolving sub-specialty).
Obviously, Informa Healthcare’s vision is premised on research and discovery: This publisher implores students to continue to search the secret realms of science in an effort to alter the course of medicine – for the next century, and beyond. With offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, London, Stockholm, Tokyo, Singapore and Melbourne, Informa Healthcare brings the best in science-based literature to the eyes of a world-wide audience.
We have reviewed a multitude of Informa Healthcare titles (under its Taylor and Francis, CRC and Marcel Dekker imprints) on our pages. Readers will find these articles under different discipline-headings on both the Industry News and Reference Pages. In addition, a regularly-updated feature on Taylor and Francis/CRC med-science texts can be accessed here.
Religion
CALL ME THE SEEKER. Listening To Religion In Popular Music. Michael J. Gilmour, Editor. Continuum.
Synopsis: Here, Gilmour (professor of New Testament at Providence College in Canada) has provided readers with an invaluable tool that will assist in the way we look at music — aligning popular song with the core of its deeper religious message so that we might come to understand the full scope of the art form. Gilmour (who wrote the introductory piece to this book and edited the other 16 essays) is one of the most knowledgeable religion writers in the country (as evidenced by Tangled Up In The Bible, his treatise on Bob Dylan that provided a cutting-edge record of the inspiration behind so much of the poet’s best work). Accordingly, Seeker is like no other book on pop music because it looks at what’s behind the medium — investigating the inner/sacred meaning ofsong, dissecting the holy force driving the rhythms that drive us. Obviously, the text is quite bold and it covers much ground, with a through analysis of many of the religious themes that are found in popular music.
Recommended because: Of its uniqueness and depth, and because it attempts to unmask a component of the art form that often goes unrecognized by scholars and critics. In actuality, I think that many intentionally ignore the religious undercurrents of pop music because they think acknowledging it will drive away the young audience and create a division between artist and consumer. However, it is an irrefutable fact that music has always been driven by the idea of God and the holy, and it’s high time we recognize this. Just as William Blake’s Songs of Experience is steeped in the hidden webs of the Old Testament, so too is Van Morrison’s Irish Heartbeat a deep and erudite examination of many different religious perspectives (from Catholicism to Buddhism ), examining the spiritual side of our eyes and lives via the clear blue transparent wonderment of song. In reality, the only “religion” that some kids ever get exposed to comes in the shape of a CD — music their only link to the idea of God and the spirit life. And Michael Gilmour’s book, then, is meant to shine a direct light on the fact that religion is found everywhere in the history of popular song (religion not only a component of Gospel music, but also part and parcel of the Blues and Rock and Country, as much an embodiment of Leonard Cohen’s work as it is an inspiration to the great cool hymnal voice of Odetta). In the end, Seekerteaches us that if we can see what inspired the creation of the songs, a deeper richer experience will be attained by the listener.
Recommended to all college-level libraries for its long-term reference value in multiple disciplines — including music history, sociology and theology. Would further be a valuable classroom text in any theology course that examines the role of religion on art and culture.
101 Most Powerful Prayers In The Bible. Steve and Lois Rabey. With Claire Cloninger. Warner Faith.
Synopsis: This continues the series that strives to personalize the teachings of the bible and present them to a new –and younger– audience. In this volume, some of the most powerful prayers in the Bible are examined in relation to modern times (in relation to actual human experience). Rather than viewing these passages in poetic terms, 101 Most Powerful Prayers looks at what the words mean today, exploring how they might better guide us through these dark and troubled times.
Recommended because: This book shows a true understanding of how prayer can relate to modern times and to the changing perceptions of a technology-based culture. Important and meaningful in the same way that Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion Of The Christ” is profound and meaningful.
Recommended for public sector libraries as a religion/spirituality reference and also appropriate as supplemental reading for Bible study courses.
Language
PIMSLEUR: BASIC GERMAN. SIMON AND SCHUSTER AUDIO. For pre-college students and adults alike, the idea of learning a foreign language can be daunting, as differences in verb-use, nuance and inflection cause fear and endless consternation. However, this series of audios from Simon and Schuster looks to change all that, as students are afforded the chance to learn the conversational elements of a new language in a way that tailors the lesson plan to their own individual pace. This installment of the Pimsleur Method offers an opportunity to gain mastery of the structure of the German language via the practice of conversation rather than through a compendium of rote drills (drills that too many times over-teach grammar to students who don’t have a practical foothold on the language itself). As you can see, Pimsleur takes a different tact, encouraging students to use the language as a means to learn it (rather than relying on a series of piecemeal exercises that can confuse more than enlighten). In this audio, listeners are presented with the first ten lessons of Level 1 German. The program is divided into 30-minute lesson plans, as these streamlined bite-sized lectures give students a chance to engage language in a pro-active manner – using the techniques as they are learned, building one lesson onto the next as they strive toward a complete understanding of the subtleties of the German tongue. In addition to the amount of flexibility the Pimsleur Method offers (allowing to students to learn on the fly at their own pace at their convenience), these audios also are worthy of recommendation because they teach without intimidating, demonstrating that new subject areas can indeed be mastered if one approaches them with an open mind and in a practical fashion.
5 hours on 5 CDS.
by John Aiello
Also Recommended
PIMSLEUR: BASIC FRENCH. SIMON AND SCHUSTER AUDIO. This selection applies the Pimsleur Method to the highly nuanced study of French (which is a staple among so many high school and community college language programs). For students struggling with French class, Pimsleur offers a well-designed option for a personalized tutorial: Here, students can tune into their Pimsleur audios as a means to practice troublesome areas and gain a foothold on the conversational aspects of the discipline. Simply, one can’t ever master a new language unless they use it, and these audios give you the ability to practice anywhere as the mood strikes. In addition, the 30-minute segments take the lessons out of the staid walls of the classroom and into your own personal living space, making the idea of learning a new language fun rather than tedious.
5 hours on 5 CDS.
by John Aiello
Biology
CELLS. Editors: Benjamin Lewin. Lynne Cassimeris. Vishwanath R. Lingappa. George Plopper. Jones and Bartlett.
Synopsis: This marks the definitive text as related to the discipline of cellular biology, with erudite analysis of the structure, organization, growth, regulation, movement and interaction of cells (emphasizing eukaryotic cells). Cells was prepared under the direction of internationally acclaimed researcher Dr. Benjamin Lewin (in conjunction with three other lead editors), and it compiles the analysis of the top minds in the field who come together to cover their subject in complete and eloquent terms. Topics of focus include membranes and transport mechanisms; the cell nucleus; the Cytoskeleton; cell division; cell communication; and Prokaryotic cells. Readers will also find an expertly constructed glossary that provides sharply written definitions of key terms meant to help students find their way through the language of a sometimes-complicated area of study.
Recommended because: This selection serves as a definitive summary of the tenants of cellular biology. Basically, any reference work must be able to provide a detailed analysis of its subject matter while also having long-term impact. Simply, a library resource must be viable for several years while still assisting current students who are navigating through deeper study of their subject. And that’s what elevates Cells above other similar titles – its standing as a supreme resource that will serve as a reference point for future generations on their journey through the great labyrinth of science. In addition, even though this text stitches together the ruminations of many writers, the seamless editing makes it read like the work of one writer, in turn building a cohesiveness that makes it incredibly easy to navigate (a very important fact for student-users who lack the research expertise of practicing scientists). Other noted facets ofCells include the color graphics and illustrations and the key concept boxes that serve to isolate central points of discussion so that readers can retest their retention of core-topic areas.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as general reference text. Further recommended to practicing Cell Biologists as in-office reference that will likely see daily usage.
Wildlife Biology
URBAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT. Clark E. Adams. Kieran J. Lindsey. Sara J. Ash. CRC Press.
Synopsis: This text is devoted to analyzing the factors that give rise to the need for practical human-wildlife management strategies. Here, Adams and co-writers offer comprehensive discussion of a growing area of focus, as sprawling residential developments now substantially reduce natural habitat for a number of species (leaving encounters with wildlife in urban centers much more prevalent). In Urban Wildlife Management, the authors explore the reasons it has now become necessary to manage wildlife in the city-setting. Topics of coverage include the history of wildlife management; the changes that have occurred in the wake of changing population patterns; urban ecosystems; the landscape of the urban habitat and the hazards endemic to that habitat; the sociopolitical issues of the discipline (including the legal considerations of wildlife management); and the ecology and management of specific species (such as the white-tailed deer).
Recommended because: This selection serves as a definitive summary of an area of growing importance given the way man is now encroaching on what was once the home-turf of a multiplicity of species. During the past year alone in the state of California, news reports have over-flowed with pieces chronicling encounters between man and beast. In early February in Humboldt County (near the California coast), an elderly gentleman walking with his wife in a state park was mauled and nearly killed by a mountain lion. And earlier this summer, in San Francisco’s famed Golden Gate Park, several coyotes had to be killed due to the fact that they were posing a serious threat to human and pet life in this bustling international city. What these stories teach us is that animals in myriad classifications have infiltrated our urban setting; bluntly, there is now an overwhelming need for professional scientists to jump into the fray and manage the inevitable interaction between man and animal. Accordingly, this book outlines in specific terms how the ideas of urban wildlife management should be assessed, the writers moving through both primary and sub-topics in a sharp bright incisive manner. Readers should note the important commentary on the effects of supplemental feeding on animals and the population dynamic – the inclusion of such material exemplifies the book’s unique ability to bring readers in contact with issues that impact both the human and animal kingdoms equally.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to wildlife researchers and government-based wildlife biologists charged with managing the way that man and beast interact within the close confines of the city setting.
by John Aiello
Medical Reference
CAMPBELL’S OPERATIVE ORTHOPEDICS. S. Terry Canale. James H. Beaty. Mosby.
Synopsis: Now in its 11th edition, Campbell’s Operative serves as the authoritative reference in the field providing surgeons with an in depth exploration of surgical procedures as they relate to the musculoskeletal system. Topics of coverage include a survey of the general principles of the discipline; arthrodesis of the ankle, knee, hip, wrist, shoulder and elbow; arthoplasty of the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow; amputation of both the upper and lower extremities; management of infections; tumors and treatment of aggressive cancers; osteochondrosis; nervous system disorders in children; and conditions of the spine (to cite obvious high-points). The text, which is artfully illustrated, analyzes both diagnostic and treatment considerations in an attempt to provide both surgeons and clinicians with a ‘one-stop’ reference that paints a complete picture of an ever-evolving discipline.
Recommended because: This selection serves as a definitive summary of the tenants of Operative Orthopaedics. Specifically, the Canale and Beaty treatise stands out among similar titles in this area of concentration based on its structure and the expert analysis the authors provide. In sum, what elevates a medical text book to center-stage is found its ability to synthesize great amounts of material in clear and forceful terms – in turn offering its readers pertinent information meant to be used in the direct treatment of patients. Here, the authors’ organization and writing-style deserve notice: Simply, for any medical reference to truly be effective, it must go beyond ‘layers of expertise’ and serve to impart its knowledge to doctors and students. And that’s where this volume excels – dissecting vast amounts of data and then rendering them accessible to professionals in the field of orthopedic medicine. Moreover, this text is recommended as a library resource because it not only analyzes present-day advancements in the field but also chronicles myriad core-principles (thus making it useful for long-term study by both advanced students and practicing physicians).
by John Aiello
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE. Principles of Diagnosis and Management in the Adult. Third Edition. Joseph E. Parrillo. R. Phillip Dellinger. Mosby.
Synopsis: In this volume, the reader is provided with a sterling overview of current standards applicable to the practice of critical care medicine. Here, Parrillo and Dellinger (Cooper University Hospital) have created a truly comprehensive tome that outlines the scientific principles of critical-care medicine for the intensive-care internist. The ground this reference covers is vast, with core-analysis of a multitude of afflictions. Topics of coverage include basic critical care procedures (including cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management in the critically ill adult and general principles of mechanical ventilation); critical care cardiovascular disease (including cardiogenic shock, cardiac tamponade and acute coronary syndromes/myocardial infarction);critical care pulmonary disease (including acute respiratory failure, life-threatening asthma and pneumonia); critical care infectious disease (including thecritically ill immunosuppressed host); renal disease and metabolic disorders in the critically ill (including acute renal failure and acute diabetic emergencies); neurologic disease in the critically ill (including coma and stroke); physical and toxic injury in the critically ill (including the management of the severely burned patient); and, finally, administrative, ethical, and psychological issues relevant to the care of the critically ill.
Recommended because: This text is truly remarkable to the canons of scientific literature, noted for its in depth summarization of critical care medicine as it pertains to the treatment of the adult patient. In sum, this book provides a prototype for what every library reference should embody (in addition to providing deep exploration of the challenges that intensive care medicine creates for the physician). However, what really makes this book standout is that it does not fail to address many current topics of interest (stroke; mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome; mechanical ventilation in obstructive airways disease) as a means to keep up with this ever-changing area of study. Finally, the general format of the text is both practical and impressive: The key-point lists which augment each chapter serve to effectively summarize data while allowing physicians to review the most salient aspects of a chapter quickly and thoroughly. Simply, Parrillo and Dellinger have built a resource that is the mirror image of critical care medicine – this vast and ever-evolving book will challenge its reader’s attention and demand their deep input (much the same as the doctor-patient relationship itself).
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, recommended as an in-office reference to all internists who regularly treat the critically-ill patient.
by John Aiello
NUCLEAR MEDICINE. 2nd Edition – 2-Volume Set. Robert E. Henkin. David Bova. Gary L. Dillehay. Stephen M. Karesh. James R. Halama. Robert H. Wagner. A. Michael Zimmer. Mosby.
Synopsis: Revised now in its second edition, this text provides the pre-eminent survey of nuclear medicine (as applied to the vast landscape of radiology). In terms of diagnosis, nuclear medicine has become a vital and indispensable component to the physician’s arsenal, allowing for more precise studies of myriad organ systems. Here, Henkin and co-writers have completely revised the flagship installment of this text, updating it to include recent advances in the discipline. Nuclear provides both the clinical and scientific aspects of this diagnostic staple, with analysis of software fusion and discussion of PET and PET/CT scans to stage cancer and evaluate myriad neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the authors include a review of improvements within the production of radioisotopes (which have increased the accuracy and facilitation of testing procedures), as well as a full overview of functional cardiac imaging and cerebral perfusion imaging which are both growing areas of interest within the field.
Recommended because: This is the authoritative reference text within the study of nuclear medicine. As noted, this modality has become the method of choice among the majority of healthcare providers who need to obtain precise imaging studies of the human anatomy and its organ systems. In this two volume set, readers will find the complete study of nuclear medicine outlined in clear focus, the language and organization allowing for both physicians and radiologists to move from point-to-point with perfect ease, the seamless narrative marrying one topic to the next so that the reader can locate information quickly and then apply it directly to the treatment of patients. Insofar as evaluating a reference work, one must look to how this material relates to the long-term study of the discipline, evaluating how its focus can bring students to deeper levels of study. Accordingly, Henkin’s Nuclear Medicine succeeds handsomely. Simply, this book belongs in Health Science libraries across the globe, noted for its breadth and its style – this encyclopedic review of what has become an indispensable component to the practice of internal medicine.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, all radiologists and most internists would benefit from having this book available as in-office reference: If you are a doctor with a question about implementing a facet of nuclear medicine, this text likely holds the answer.
TEXTBOOK OF NATURAL MEDICINE – E-edition (in the 3rd Edition). Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr. Michael T. Murray. Churchill Livingstone.
Synopsis: This text serves as the complete resource examining the practice of natural medicine. Accordingly, Natural Medicine sews together contributions from over 90 researchers and experts in the field in order to breakdown this relatively new reference point as it relates to the realms of Western science. This 2-volume set centers on delineation of evidence-based natural approaches as they pertain to the treatment and control of some 70 diseases (including cutting-edge discussion of afflictions such as chronic fatigue syndrome; congestive heart failure; cystitis; diabetes; epilepsy; fibromyalgia; gallstones; and HIV/AIDS – conditions which represent some of the greatest challenges to the universal practice of medicine). Natural Medicine is divided into six primary sections: After a thorough review of the philosophical foundations unique to this area of study, readers will move directly into the meat of the subject, as the authors cover everything from natural diagnostic procedures and therapeutic modalities to stress management and an analysis of the role of nutrition in natural healing. The appendix includes several questionnaires and addendums (such as the Candida questionnaire and the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index) which further serve to provide comprehensive exploration into this growing area of interest.
Recommended because: Pizzorno’s and Murray’s text represents the most authoritative (and authoritatively researched) text on this ever-evolving subject. In the West, natural medicine has often been looked on with skepticism as healthcare practitioners focus on a combination of invasive techniques and Pharmacological therapies in order to treat patients who present with illness. However, here, Pizzorno and Murray (Bastyr University) take the reader back in time to the place where the theories of Eastern-based medicine intersect the practices of the West. In this impeccable tome, the authors present in depth research from myriad experts in order to open up for discussion the belief that some patients with certain afflictions (such as insomnia; menopause; migraine headaches) might benefit through a more holistic course of therapy (using diet and stress management in conjunction with herbal substances which help to balance the whole of the body). Natural Medicine is notable for its clarity and organization as it delivers invaluable information to the threshold of the classroom and to the day-to-day practice of medicine in all four corners of the world.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. In addition, many internists and primary-care physicians would benefit from having this book available as in-office reference text, for it offers keen insight into ways that healthcare practitioners can teach the patient that the well-being of the body is sharply enhanced by a positive mental attitude.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION IN U.S. HEALTH CARE: Principles and Applications. Laura T. Pizzi. Jennifer H. Lofland. Jones and Bartlett.
Synopsis: This new release by Jones and Bartlett speaks to many universal issues within the health care industry, focusing on how effective economic decisions can be made in order to best treat patients while adhering to budgetary restrictions. Authors Pizzi and Lofland have done a commendable job in addressing this controversial subject, drafting a text that is direct and certain in point-of-view and presentation. Accordingly, Economic Evaluation provides a comprehensive summary of the methods providers should use when evaluating economic factors in relation to assessment of treatment options for patients. Even though the text is “based on core principles of pharmacoeconomics,” it nonetheless speaks to all facets of health care, with the writers’ analysis applicable to both drug and non-drug therapies (thus offering clinicians and administrators alike a sure-handed reference tool that records the foundational thinking on the subject).
Recommended because: Economics is the single most important factor dictating how patients come to be evaluated and subsequently treated. Moreover, the U.S. populous as a whole remains perilously in the dark when it comes to knowledge about how their HMOs decide on which drugs and which procedures to approve. Like it or not, it all comes down to dollars and cents, and even doctors themselves don’t truly understand the layered criteria that insurance companies use in the decision-making process. And that’s why this text has been written — to educate the health care community on what primary principles should be analyzed and how the data extrapolated is to be applied to patient treatment. However, as Pizzi and Lofland teach us, the process is never as simple as it appears on paper, with myriad factors coming into play as administrators in various realms evaluate information in order to arrive at a conclusion on what is medically necessary. Obviously, with such an imperfect and arbitrary system, there will be questions and controversy and inequitable situations. Is there a better way to do this? Is a form of socialized medicine enforcing a strict system of standards the answer? Is our current set of procedures adequately addressing quality of life issues? At its best moments, this text provides a two-pronged resource: 1) Setting forth the current standards of economic evaluation that are applied to the American system of health care; and 2) sparking the industry itself to re-focus its full attention on this crucial issue.
Recommended to Health Science libraries for its long-term reference value — a unique and flawless text that strips away some of the mystery of how economic decisions on health care issues are reached. Further useful to hospital administrators, social workers, Medicaid workers and pharmacists as an in-office reference that can assist with helping to educate the patient/consumer on ‘what the insurance company will and won’t pay for.’
A CASE APPROACH TO OPEN STRUCTURE RHINOPLASTY. Calvin M. Johnson. Wyatt C. To. Saunders.
Synopsis: This title from Saunders continues the high standard it has set in medical publishing, outlining in complete terms the full scope of open structure rhinoplasty. Dr. Johnson (Hedgewood Surgical Center) and Dr. To (The Cosmetic Skin and Surgery Center) are recognized experts in the field and they move through their material with certainty and deftness. Case Approach begins with an overview of the surgical anatomy/physiology of the nose, smartly introducing the reader into the “Tripod-Pedestal” Concept. At this point, the reader begins their exploration into rhinoplasty, including the physician “consult,” the preoperative evaluation, in addition to summaries of basic and adjunctive techniques of rhinoplasty (as they relate to both primary open structure and revision open structure procedures). Moreover, Case Approach includes some 80 case studies that take the reader on a comprehensive tour of patient treatment (extending from evaluation through surgery), thus bringing the material an immediate relevance.
Recommended because: Of its depth and organization, and because this title serves as a brilliantly-conceived guide for both Otolaryngologists and Facial Plastic Surgeons that expands on the latest techniques of rhinoplasty. Over the last decade, this area of plastic (cosmetic) surgery has become one of the sub-specialty’s most studied, as physicians attempt to refine the best methods for reshaping the look and contour of the nose. Case Approach comes to us from the perspective of the surgeon in the midst of patient treatment: the idea is to create a real-world examination of the topic through case-study summaries which have been woven into the narrative (teaching the physician by making him an actual part of the presentation). This style — augmented by the expertise of the writers and by nearly 1,000 illustrations and photographs — lends itself well to deep introspection, encouraging a thoroughly interactive approach by the reader. As Johnson and To show here, rote discussions of medical principles have become outdated, as today’s doctors look to “participate” in all facets of training. Accordingly, the inclusion of these case studies make this book indispensable on multiple levels.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. It is also appropriate for Otolaryngologists and Facial Plastic Surgeons as an in-office reference that can assist in all aspects of patient treatment (from the examination room to the post-op ward). Finally, should be considered as a class text in any course that focuses on teaching advanced students the finer points of open structure rhinoplasty.
PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS. 4th Edition. Joel L. Zatz. Maria Glaucia Teixeira. Wiley-Interscience.
Synopsis: This text provides a tried and true summary of key aspects related to the modern-day practice of Pharmaceutical Science. Comprehensive in its approach, Pharmaceutical covers its topic broadly, discussing all material points the practicing Pharmacist will need to digest in order to attain absolute competency in the field. Included in the discussion are a review of the general principles of calculation, units & measurements, and prescription orders, in addition to sharply written chapters on dosage and injectable medications. There are also finely tuned chapters on radioactive decay and shelf life that further serve to demonstrate just how detailed the modern practice of Pharmacy Science has become, since each of these factors require strong consideration in the normal service of the consumer.
Recommended because: This manual has been trusted by practitioners in the field for the past 3 decades, and its updated edition (stressing the practical application of these concepts) is vital to the success of future pharmacy students. As noted, the practical day-to-day routine of Pharmacy Science has changed drastically since this book was first released, with new demands and expectations placed on the Pharmacist almost daily. Specifically, the ability of a the Pharmacist to be certain in the way he makes his calculations is imperative to the over-all safety and treatment of patients. Make no mistake, Pharmacy Science goes hand-in-hand with the practice of medicine: the mission of the physician (following diagnosis and proposed treatment ) cannot truly be consummated unless the Pharmacist is able to carry out his job with seamless efficiency. Accordingly, Pharmaceutical Calculations comes to us a perfectly organized manual that serves as an expert guide for both practicing Pharmacist and advanced pharmaceutical student, outlining the key elements of a multi-dimensional discipline.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended as a class text in advanced Pharmacy Science courses premised on teaching proper methods of calculation.
Of Related Interest
CHEMOINFORMATICS IN DRUG DISCOVERY. Edited Tudor I. Oprea. Series Editors: R. Mannhold. H. Kubinyi. G. Folkers. Wiley-VCH.
Recommended to Health Science libraries for its detailed exploration of the different ways that data can be broken down and sifted into ‘information,’ with that information then applied directly to various components of the drug discovery process. This is a unique and richly erudite text premised on a sub-layer of the scientific process: the idea here is to bind data from various points together in order to facilitate a clearer understanding of the unique chemical interactions that are taking place as medicines are created in the research laboratory.
In addition to our recommendation that Health Science libraries adopt this book for its long-term reference value, we believe this selection would also prove valuable to researchers in the Pharmaceutical industry for the direction it offers on how to best synthesize data from various sources into useful‘information.’
THE NEUROLOGICAL BASIS OF PAIN. Marco Pappagallo. McGraw-Hill.
Synopsis: Dr. Pappagallo (Director of the Division of Chronic Pain at Beth Israel Medical Center) has fashioned the authoritative text on the neurological basis for the reasons why we feel the sensation of pain. The Neuro Basis reads like an encyclopedia in that it is encyclopedic in scope — touching on the whole of the subject in a text divided into four primary parts. In Section One, the basis of different types if pain is analyzed – including analysis of the mechanisms of visceral and neuropathic pain and pain endemic to the autonomic nervous system. In addition, there is a fine chapter on the psychological aspects of pain. Section Two introduces data on how the physician should approach patient treatment. Section Three covers syndromes and various pain disorders, including several tremendous chapters on headache. Finally, Section Four covers applicable treatments for different kinds of pain, including discussion of anti-inflammatory and antidepressant therapy.
Recommended because: Of it’s long-term reference value to the Health Science library community. The Neuro Basis is an erudite demonstration of research and scholarship — covering every aspect of pain study in detail and with great depth. Today’s physician is confronted with complaints of pain on a constant basis — it is the reason most people visit their doctor in the first place. Consequently, this has become an area of medical study that needs to be addressed by every health care provider – from physician to resident to nurse practitioner. In this regard, Pappagallo’s text offers the consummate study tool, providing the information in a well-reasoned and organized manner — explaining the varied neurological ‘roots’ of pain before moving into patient evaluation and treatment. In addition to its value to the practicing physician, Neuro has obvious long-term reference to both student and licensed professional and is likely to prove to be the authority in the field for years to come.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to instructors in Neurology departments for any courses premised on pain management and pain causation/treatment.
100 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT MYELOMA. Asad Bashey. James W. Huston. Jones and Bartlett.
Synopsis: A slim and portable volume designed for the general audience, 100 Questions provides basic information about Myeloma, including discussion on treatment and quality of life issues in the wake of diagnosis. Juxtaposed with the medical data are patient views on the subject, giving the reader an “insider’s look” at the disease and ways that they can cope with treatment (and life after treatment). Formatted in simple sections, topics include basic information on Myeloma, diagnosis and disease staging, options for treatment, complications arising from treatment, and patient support.
Recommended because: This book advocates patient knowledge and encourages us to become familiar with our bodies and with the disease we might be confronting. A diagnosis of cancer is often devastating, rendering a person helpless. However, the shock can be markedly lessened when a patient becomes familiar with their condition and how it is likely to progress and impact the conditions of daily life. The common problem with these types of books in the past has been readability: either they have been over-simplified and lack in substance, or they are written by an author presuming a certain expertise in the field. Here, Bashey and Huston have avoided these pitfalls and created a book that is immediately accessible to the patient and general reader. The idea here is to lessen the fear of disease through knowledge, and the authors have accomplished their mission completely.
Recommended to all libraries as a general reference text in the area of health science. Further recommended to pharmacies for the patient reference rack — this is the kind of book that is of real value in terms of education, providing useful information in a way that is conducive to lay understanding.
These books in this Jones and Bartlett Series are also noted for their strong consumer value (like Myeloma, each is written in the same straight-forward format conducive to access by the general reader):
100 Questions and Answers About Your Child’s Cancer. William L. Carroll. Jessica Lee.
100 Questions and Answers About Alzheimer’s Disease. Thomas Wisniewski. Marcin Sadowski.
This book is of huge importance as Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the real threats to our elderly: the affliction, which many times requires long-term nursing care, develops over decades and is often misunderstood by patients and caretakers alike. However, this book begins to bring information to the ones who need it most.
100 Questions and Answers About Acne. Doris J. Day.
Important title which should be accessed by young readers to teach them about this troubling affliction.
100 Questions and Answers About Caring For Family and Friends with Cancer. Susannah L. Rose. Richard T. Hara.
Like the Myeloma title, this little book shows its reader how to cope with the many aspects of a cancer diagnosis.
100 Questions and Answers About Your Child’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Ruth D. Nass. Fern Leventhal.
FUNDAMENTALS OF ONCOLOGY. 4th edition. Henry C. Pitot. Marcel Dekker.
Synopsis: Pitot, Professor Emeritus of Oncology and Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, provides a primer course on Oncology with this stout text.Fundamentals is a thorough over-view on the subject of cancer, with insightful analysis of the origin and behavior of cancer cells within the human body. In addition to this study of oncology, Pitot makes it clear that an understanding of this disease must progress towards the development of more effective treatments for tumors that afflict the major organ systems, including lung, breast and prostate cancers. Finally, this edition offers much new information on new chemotherapy drugs (taxols and topoisomerase inhibitors) which can be used to help the physician reduce progression of the disease and maintain a patient’s quality of life.
Recommended because: Of the comprehensive scope of this text and Pitot’s ability to thoroughly analyze his subject. Especially important are the sections devoted to the etiology of cancer as an infectious disease and the role that environmental factors play in the growth of cancer cells. In the first section of the text, Pitot takes time to discuss how this disease has changed over time, allowing the reader to begin preponderance of just what factors are having the greatest impact on the incidence of malignancy. Once the researcher has pinpointed these factors, he can then begin to look towards unraveling the mysteries of this devastating disease, formulating better ways to combat it. To this end, the new edition of Fundamentals offers discussion of the use of genetic information to unlock the components of the cancerous cell: if the scientific community continues to investigate cancer in relation to genetics, it is likely that a cure will someday be viable.
Recommended to all health Science libraries as a general reference text in the area of oncology study. Further recommended as a viable text for cancer researchers because of its detailed discussion of the varied etiologies of cancer.
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS 2005. James J. Rybacki, Pharm. D. Harper Collins.
Synopsis: Designed for the general consumer, this tightly written manual provides answers to questions about prescription medications. The 2005 updated edition surveys the most important and widely used drugs now on the market, offering in depth analysis on how these medicines impact the body, offering keen insight on how they might counteract other drugs a person may be taking. Rybacki has developed a nice format here in that he begins each entry with a“Benefits versus Risks” segment, weighing the possible benefits of a drug against the risk of complications and adverse reaction. By doing this, the patient/reader is allowed to develop a sense of what a particular medication does and what they can expect to experience after taking it. From this point, the author covers dosing and basic use topics, while also discussing how each specific drug impacts the body. Full and comprehensive discussion of side effects is also included, as well as a segment on what patients should be aware of while taking their medication.
Recommended because: Of its importance to consumers and its immediate reference value. Events in late 2004 raised real questions as to the long-term safety of certain widely used pain medications. Consequently, the FDA and some health care professionals have come under fire, with many saying that more thorough research needs to take place before drugs are allowed to reach the public. Essential, which has been printed for over a quarter century (with over 2,000,000 copies in circulation), enables the patient to research the effects of a medicine on his own, thereby helping to avert complications and potential dangerous interactions. In this day and age, when things move so fast, the burden has fallen back on the individual to protect himself. The Essential Guide To Prescription Drugs allows us to bear this burden most effortlessly.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text: this information is vital to the public at large, who now need to take a more active role in protecting themselves and their bodies.
TINNITUS. THEORY AND MANAGEMENT. Includes companion CD-ROM. James B. Snow, Editor. BC Decker.
Synopsis: This text (written by Doctor James Snow, former director of the NIH National Institute on Deafness) brings together analysis from the best minds in the field on the phenomenon of tinnitus. The four section manual offers deep critical insight into the affliction, with part one focused on the clinical implications of the problem and its epidemiology. From there, Snow and his writers move into the basis of the disease, analyzing tinnitus in relation to the mechanics of hearing and the structure of the ear (with insightful comment from Dr. Snow). Part three looks at management of the patient who presents with the disease, including Otologic and Audiologic evaluation. The book closes with ways the physician should approach treatment, with valuable dissertation on administering antidepressants to help control symptoms.
Recommended because: Tinnitus brings deep insight to a common disorder that encumbers thousands of patients world-wide (many of whom go undiagnosed and untreated). Although geared toward the work of the practicing Otolaryngologist, this book is also accessible for the primary care physician and the internist — well-written and impeccably edited, these essays function on multiple levels: in addition to their research value, guidance is offered toward meeting the specific needs of the patient who presents with this frustrating ailment. For a time, tinnitus was not recognized as a serious disorder by many doctors – the stamp “Hypochondriac” accompanying that patient who complained repeatedly of prolonged ear-ringing. However, here, Snow has broken the complication of tinnitus down to its finite points, analyzing it in relation to the mechanical composition of the human ear.
Recommended to Health Science libraries because it has been written on a broad plane — serving ear specialists and internists equally well, creating obvious reference value in the process. Would further be an appropriate teaching text in advanced courses predicated on training physicians for careers as Otolaryngologists.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING. HEAD AND NECK. H. Ric Harnsberger. Patricia A. Hudgins. Richard H. Wiggins III. H. Christian Davidson. W.B. Saunders.
Synopsis: Diagnostic Imaging marks the ultimate resource in surveying and identifying diseases of the head and neck. Readers of Harnsberger (Willey Chair in Neuroradiology, University of Utah School of Medicine) will find a reference book designed for practical use by radiologists and physicians in the course of patient diagnosis and treatment. The authors have spent considerable time in discussing the anatomical hurdles the clinician will face in the course of creating useful images for diagnostic purposes; the lesson here is for the technician to realize that this region of the body is unlike any other and everything has to be perfect in order for the pictures to process. Accordingly, the radiologist needs to have an exact idea of where he’s going before the testing ever begins, so as not to prolong the procedure for the patient. Diagnostic is comprehensive in scope, including information on terminology, interpretation of findings, differential diagnosis and pathology.
Recommended because: of its complete and comprehensive coverage of a complicated aspect of medicine. Harnsberger and his co-authors have done a superb job in taking their readers step-by-step through the material, stressing the fact that the radiologist must remain attentive to each and every detail of the process so that diagnosis can be rendered with certainty. Diseases in this region tend to be difficult to identify and treat and it is because of this that the physician must rely on diagnostic images before proceeding toward medical therapy (which often involves surgical intervention). Thus, this text offers keen insight into how the radiologist should approach the filming of the patient. Moreover, the text has been designed for absolute readability, with smart organization and expert use of illustrations to help physicians through issues of diagnosis and pathology.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Would further be appropriate as a teaching text in courses that address surgical and radiologic exploration of the head and neck. Also would be useful as an in-office reference for Otolaryngologists and surgeons of the head and neck.
MANAGEMENT OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN CANCER AND CANCER TREATMENT. Edited by Paul J. Hesketh. Jones and Bartlett.
Synopsis: One of the first texts of its kind to be devoted to the problem of nausea and vomiting in the oncology patient, Management of Nausea builds a comprehensive study of the side effects endemic to the treatment of cancer. Hesketh (a noted Professor of Medicine from Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston), has done a fine job in editing this series of essays with an editorial focus on the causes and treatments of cancer-related vomiting and nausea. Oncologists who explore this text are presented with a in depth review of the types of nausea and vomiting that flow forth from cancer treatment; new approaches to treatment meant to mitigate patient emesis; and valuable analysis of the mind-body connection regarding these symptoms. Also included is information that allows the physician to evaluate pre-existing factors as a means to predict treatment-induced vomiting.
Recommended because: The focus of this text is on lessening the severity of symptoms for the patient and increasing the quality of life during cancer treatment. Probably more than anything else (save hair loss), the fear of indefinite vomiting is the predominant thought that accompanies a diagnosis of cancer. No one wants to be sick to their stomach – the fear of it goes back to childhood and is born in the feeling that the body is out of control. Sometimes, in the course of trying to eradicate the cancer, doctors forget this all-too-important fact. However, in Management of Nausea, Hesketh has edited the text so that the reader never loses sight of this, in the process creating a book that puts the comfort of the patient first.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Would further be an appropriate an in-office reference manual for the practicing Oncologist, presenting the most recent research on the subject.
PRIONS AND MAD COW DISEASE. Edited by Brian K. Nunnally. Ira S. Krull. Marcel Dekker.
Synopsis: This text is dedicated to the analysis of prion proteins – believed by scientists to be the catalyst in the development of Mad Cow Disease. Here, Nunnally (a researcher stationed in Indiana), and Krull (a Chemistry Professor from Northeastern University in Boston) have compiled a group of essays that thoroughly explore the prion protein and ways it can be detected through various scientific testing methods (including bioassay, immunoassay and fluorescence). From information obtained in the testing process, scientists will then be able to take steps to evaluate the future potential for spread of the disease from animals to the human populous.
Recommended because: Of its relevance to the idea of food safety throughout the world. Like the Botulism outbreaks that plagued cultures in previous centuries, Mad Cow Disease is now a very real problem throughout the world — with cases detected in Europe, Canada and the United States. Given the relative dearth of concrete information available on the subject of Mad Cow Disease and its origins, this text is a terribly important research tool that might hold the key to finally figuring out was to corral Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy before more widespread outbreaks occur. It should be noted that the editors have take particular care to address Mad Cow Disease in relation to other syndromes, including erudite comment on Chronic Wasting Syndrome that has afflicted North American deer and elk populations during recent decades. In light of the recent incidence of Mad Cow Disease in America – where the beef industry drives the agricultural economy – Prions is now of absolute importance to scientific communities across the globe.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Would further be an invaluable resource for biologists and immunologists who investigate the way that disease spreads from animal communities to the human populous.
VASCULAR ANESTHESIA. Joel A. Kaplan. Carol L. Lake. Michael J. Murray. Churchill Livingstone.
Synopsis: This benchmark text sets the standard for surgeons and clinicians dedicated to the treatment of vascular surgery patients. Doctor Kaplan (Department of Anesthesiology, University of Louisville) and his co-authors have put together a comprehensive resource with true reference value – a thorough exploration of the methods that should employed to effectively and safely anesthetize any patient with cardiac complications who is facing major non-cardiac surgery. In terms of helping a doctor prepare for such surgery, this text contains a veritable stockpile of data to allow for preoperative and postoperative assessment of patients. Discussion includes management of patients with severe respiratory complications, myriad interventional vascular radiologic procedures, and analysis on how to ethically and thoughtfully make medical decisions concerning individuals with end stage vascular disease.
Recommended because: Of the scope and reference value of this material. Although the primary focus of the text is on Vascular Anesthesia, the authors have done a remarkable job in tying together advancements in cardiology, critical care medicine, vascular surgery, cardiovascular pharmacology and anesthesiology to create a medical reference that paints a picture of the whole body: the idea here is to show that a physician cannot adequately treat the patient unless he manages these complicated and interwoven systems. While most texts of this nature tend to focus on the primary editorial ‘plot line,’ Kaplan and co-authors are careful to address the body as a whole, in turn offering anesthesiologists and vascular physicians a road map to begin surgical treatment of a patient compromised by heart disease. Also note-worthy for its inclusion of the most up-to-date advances in the field in terms of drug therapies and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Would further be an invaluable resource for the vascular surgeon and cardiologist as a supporting reference. Obviously a ‘must have’ for all radiology departments and anesthesiologists because of its breadth and depth.
CURRENT SURGICAL THERAPY. 8th Edition. JOHN L. CAMERON. ELSEVIER/MOSBY.
Synopsis: Major surgical reference presenting research and commentary from over 300 contributors in the field of general and vascular surgery. This revised edition is dedicated to the topic of contemporary surgical management – thus making it an ideal resource for the practicing surgeon as it addresses many of the most recent advances in the field. Dr. Cameron (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine) has done a distinguished job in editing and formatting this massive text — covering various techniques and approaches to the surgery process, including an in depth chapter on minimally invasive Laparoscopic procedures (a technique which cuts down on hospital stays and patient recovery time). Wonderfully illustrated with over one thousand graphics which further assist the surgeon in practical preparation for the operating room.
Recommended because: Of the scope of its coverage. In terms of surgery manuals, Current sets the standard – its writing, so clear and detailed, is well-suited to any physician who performs a variety of surgeries under myriad circumstances. For the surgeon and the student of surgery, having the most recent research at hand is imperative to being able to help patients and treat disease. And this text sews together the most current thoughts on the subject and presents them in a single volume. By formatting the book in this way, Cameron (and contributors) have made the material easily accessible and thus more practical for doctors and students to use on a regular basis. Especially note-worthy for its coverage of ways the surgeon should approach treatment of GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (as well as other GI afflictions). Moreover, because of its wealth of illustrations and clear-focused design,Current marks an attractive study tool for doctors to consult in preparation for board examinations and certifications.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text; in short, this is the kind of book that belongs in medical libraries for its long-lasting value and in depth analysis. Practicing surgeons would also be well-served to consider it as an in-office reference for its up-to-date coverage of myriad surgical topics.
WELCOME TO THE GENOME. A User’s Guide to the Genetic Past, Present and Future. Rob DeSalle. Michael Yudell. Wiley-Liss.
Synopsis: Important new text building into the study of the genome – the center of the cell which contains the complete genetic composite of an organism. DeSalle and Yudell have authored a detailed and thorough analysis of the genomic structure of the human cell, exploring and dissecting its layers to reveal the many dimensions of our makeup. Welcome To is both timely and cutting-edge – looking at how recent discoveries within the study of genetics can be applied to medical science and to agriculture in ways that will further our survival (and evolution).
Recommended because: Of its readability and clear presentation. DeSalle and Yudell have done a remarkable job in presenting this complex material so as to make it equally meaningful for the scientist, instructor and student. Probably one of the biggest hurdles with the study of this subject matter is in the intimidation factor – because of its inherent complexities, undergraduate students tend to be scared away from the topic. Welcome To offers a comprehensive text that benefits greatly from the writing and editing. Obvious steps have been taken to make this material clear and comprehensible, as well as thought-inducing and interesting. The result is the first text we’ve seen to cover new discoveries in DNA research in a way that has the potential to capture a broad audience.
Recommended for all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Should further be considered as a class text in any course that investigates genetics and cell research.
THE ATLAS OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS (Progression and Regression). Second Edition. Herbert C. Stary. Parthenon Publishing (Taylor and Francis Group). On CD-ROM. (Requires a Windows 95 operating system or higher).
Synopsis: This selection comprises the CD-ROM version of the textbook of the same name, providing a thorough exploration into the different (primary) stages of Atherosclerosis. Dr. Stary (from the Louisiana State Health Sciences Center) has created a well-developed study that is meant to illuminate the practicing physician on the different masks these all too-common vascular lesions wear. Moreover, the CD allows the physician a more interactive learning approach, as these detailed color illustrations give the reader the chance to truly understand how this disease proceeds to attack human tissue.
Recommended because: of the in depth nature of the text. Rather than only deal with symptoms and treatment, Stary instead chooses to investigate the nature and form and structure of Atherosclerosis lesions and the way that they change over time and according to medical intervention. By taking this approach, Stary promotes a more thorough understanding of the disease and its impact on the patient, promoting the ability of the physician to more readily identify whether the disease is regressing, worsening, or remaining stable. Further, the illustrations augment the author’s analysis and allow both doctor (and student) to examine the subject at length and in detail (the CD affording the reader multiple options for viewing and enlarging each slide).
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a research tool in the discipline of cardiovascular study. Further recommended to all cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons as an in-office reference. However, the subject material is most likely far too advanced for lower-division medical students, and instead is written with the experienced physician in mind.
IMMUNOLOGY, INFECTION, AND IMMUNITY. Gerald B. Pier. Jeffrey B. Lyczak. Lee M. Wetzler. ASM Press.
Synopsis: Fine text that provides a comprehensive overview of immunology, this book is meant to be immediately applied by the physician/researcher in the day-to-day treatment of disease. A complete discussion of how the immune system functions is included, allowing the physician to build a foundation of knowledge from which he will be able to explore the many ways infectious agents attack the body’s natural defense system.
Recommended because: Immunology is a well-written and well-illustrated text designed to serve a varied audience, including physicians, dentists, medical students and advanced biology majors. Given the changing terrain of modern society, doctors now more than ever must take steps to thoroughly understand how the body’s system of defense functions. The equation is simple: the world is under the threat of bioterrorism, and information on how to keep the human body safe is at a premium. As researchers grapple with these questions, Immunology marks a starting point — providing a thorough analysis of a complex and fluctuating area of study.
Priced at only $80, Immunology is a bargain, and a natural fit for all Health Science libraries. Instructors at the college level in the field of immunology would also be well-served to consider this title as a classroom text for each of the reasons previously noted.
NURSE PRACTITIONER’S LEGAL REFERENCE. Multiple Contributors. Springhouse.
Synopsis: Nurse is a very important reference manual that addresses the legal risks and responsibilities that affect Nurse Practitioners in the course of their duties. In the changing world of health care, many interesting challenges are presented to Nurse Practitioners. In this volume, the Nurse Practitioner will find information meant to keep them separated from the courtroom; and if a legal problem does unveil itself, this book will tell you how to promote a quick resolution. Authored by experts in the field of health care law, data on myriad issues is presented, including centerpiece chapters on ethics, malpractice liability and patient rights.
Recommended because: Nurses need to be aware of the legal consequences that come hand-in-hand with making a wrong decision; further, they need direction on how to cope should a lawsuit or legal issue arise from an on-the-job action. This book provides broad information that is meant to assist the Nurse Practitioner in protecting their reputations and careers. Written in a clear and user-friendly style, the complicated world of the law as it relates to the practice of medicine has been rendered understandable to those without a legal background.
Recommended to all Health Science and public sector libraries as a general reference text. Would also be invaluable to all nurses as a guide to their rights and responsibilities under the law.
FUNDAMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY. William E. Paul. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
Synopsis: This authoritative text covers the entire study of immunology, including analysis of recent research on events within the molecule that trigger immune response. Other topics covered include antigen processing, cytokines, and the way the immune system responds when presented with infectious agents. Also in depth analysis on immunosuppression and intracellular bacteria, as Paul (and contributors) investigate the oscillating factors that affect the body’s ability to respond to predators and protect itself.
Recommended because: Fundamental Immunology sets the standard in the field for its analysis of these complicated and ever-changing topics. Recommended because of the ground it covers and the way it moves — well-edited chapters along with plentiful illustrations serve to walk the reader through the interwoven subjects that comprise immunology. Chapters on HIV, allergy and primary immunodeficiency diseases begin to explore the most important challenges facing doctors who treat immunosuppressed patients. Written in a logical and erudite style that is meant to teach – serving both the practicing physician and medical student equally well.
Recommended for all Health Science libraries as a reference text. If budgets are limited, this title covers immunology in broad and comprehensive terms.
CLINICAL HANDBOOK OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS. Edited by Kalyna Z. Bezchlibnyk-Butler and J. Joel Jeffries. Hogrefe and Huber.
Synopsis: This reference guide provides a detailed summary of all psychotropic drugs being used today. This book, meant primarily for the practicing physician, is the ultimate reference tool in that it allows the doctor access to vital information so that he does not blindly prescribe drugs to a patient without fully examining the ramifications of his decisions. Exhaustive in the ground it covers, Clinical reports on the therapeutic effects of each drug; also expands on product indications, proper dosing, onset and duration of effect, adverse effects, special precautions, toxicity risks, geriatric considerations and patient instructions (among other information).
Recommended because: Clinical Handbook is a necessary reference book that should be readily available to both physicians and patients alike. Too many times, doctors will prescribe drugs to a patient without fully analyzing the effect the medicine is likely to have. This handbook provides an affordable reference guide for physicians to have in their offices – -something to be consulted before they prescribe medication to any individual. Moreover, Clinical is recommended reading for patients who want to know about the drugs they are ingesting. Although written in a technical format (this is unavoidable because of the scientific subject matter), most patients will at least be able to gain a working knowledge of the data, thus allowing them to formulate questions for their physicians.
Appropriate for Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to public sector libraries as a consumer health reference guide. Invaluable for all internists, psychiatrists and primary care physicians as a handy office reference.
BIOSTATISTICS (A Methodology For The Health Sciences). Gerald van Belle, Lloyd D. Fisher, Patrick J. Heagerty, Thomas Lumley. Wiley.
Synopsis: This text, now in its second edition, allows both students and medical professionals to begin to understand how to use statistics in conjunction with the health sciences. Bio is chock full of information and careful examination, and readers will discover a complete course of study in these pages – with the introductory chapter leading into direct analysis of the various ways that statistics can be applied to medicine to better help doctors and researchers synthesize/interpret data. As this text teaches us, the goal is to apply statistical ideologies directly to the treatment of patients.
Recommended because: The authors have dealt with the subject matter in truly comprehensive terms: what is especially valuable here is the way van Belle and his co-writers have designed the book — dissecting topics by defining them and then applying each definition — with graphics used to help build the reader’s understanding of each under-lying concept. Even though the study of statistical methodology has often been looked upon as “dry” and hard to decipher, the authors have taken steps to make it meaningful to the unique problems the new millennium presents (such as AIDS and Cholesterol – topics that comprise some of the great hurdles facing medicine today). Further, scientists and researchers who access this information will gain much new insight into ways that probability theory can be applied to better predict the rate at which disease spreads.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Would be especially useful to Health Science libraries for its comprehensive analysis of statistics relating to medical study. Instructors will also want to consider it as class text for courses that focus on how to apply statistical methods to the study and treatment of disease.
GOLDMAN: CECIL TEXTBOOK OF MEDICINE. 22nd Edition. W.B. Saunders.
Synopsis: The 22nd edition of this reference manual (which first appeared in 1927) examines the phenomenon of disease in relation to each of the body’s organ systems (by Doctor Lee Goldman of the University of California, San Francisco and Doctor Dennis Ausiello of Massachusetts General Hospital). In addition to its detailed analysis of the biological basis of disease, treatment options are also analyzed; this new edition includes a chapter on pharmacology and its role in the practice of modern medicine.
Recommended because: It is a time-honored reference manual that contains detailed analysis of the nature of disease and its affects on the human body. If libraries are limited on funds and can only buy one new general medical reference this year, then this would be a sound choice: it is well written and meticulously organized so that the physician or student can quickly retrieve information. Also first-rate illustrations useful in both teaching and diagnostic scenarios.
Recommended for all health science libraries as a general reference.
BURNS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE AND THERAPY. Editors: Xia Sun and Bradford S. Weeks. Karger.
Synopsis: This text compiles information on ways to treat damaged tissue and promote the regeneration of cells, including the revolutionary work of Dr. Rong Xiang Xu. Xu, a esteemed professor from China, began his research after tiring of not being able to alleviate the horrific pain burn victims endure. Finally, Xu came up with a technique called “Moist Exposed Burns Treatment” which focuses, in part, on the way that damaged tissue ‘re-grows’ when exposed to different environments. This treatment, in conjunction with an ointment which Xu also created (Moist-Exposed Burns Ointment), serves to promote the growth of new tissue to replace the irreparable — treatment that promotes healing among burn victims rather than settling for a “wait-and-see” course of non-action.
Recommended because: This is ground breaking scientific research and could mitigate suffering for thousands of burn patients across the boundaries of the world. Aside from the immediate value to burn victims, Xu’s theories are important in light of both immunology and stem cell research: Xu’s work is steeped in the way that cells live and feed and thrive, and his efforts could open new doors with respect to the way that we approach treatment of other disease, including AIDS and cancer.
Recommended to all health science libraries as a general reference text — an important book that begins to bridge the gap between eastern medicine and western scientists.
A CLINICIAN’S DICTIONARY OF PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS. James J. Jorgensen and Michael A. Pfaller. ASM Press.
Synopsis: This pocket-sized dictionary lists descriptions/definitions of all pathogenic microorganisms, offering physicians and students a quick and handy guide to identifying the various agents of disease. Divided into four sections (Bacteria, Fungi, Parasites and Viruses), Jorgensen and Pfaller have mastered the “bird’s eye” description here, defining items in compact sentences, creating an immediate point of reference for their readers.
Recommended because: This book is the consummate medical reference guide: a dictionary that covers the complex face of the microorganism in a clear, logical and concise style – the authors careful to identify each pathogen and its origins in an attempt to lead the physician towards proper diagnosis and treatment.
Recommended to all health science libraries as a general reference text, with equal value to both the practicing physician and the student because of its broad coverage of the material .
CAMPBELL’S UROLOGY (Study Guide). Second edition. Patrick C. Walsh. Alan Retik. E. Darracott Vaughan. Alan J. Wein. W.B. Saunders.
Synopsis: This study guide has been written as a companion to the 8th edition of Campbell’s Urology — which marks the authoritative text on all aspects of urologic study. Campbell’s provides a quick reference tool for both the student and young doctor seeking certification in the field, with over 2,800 practice questions included that explore the reader’s true depth of knowledge and understanding. This study guide draws a direct chapter-by-chapter parallel to its ‘parent’ text, allowing the reader the ability to quickly access material and investigate each layer deeply.
Recommended because: It does not short-cut the material as many study guides tend to do. Instead, this book is just that — a guide meant to help navigate the student through the various aspects of the sub-specialty of urology, thus promoting a deeper understanding of the subject (rather than serving as some superficial memory ‘coach’). To this end, detailed explanations are provided that explain why each answer is correct – yet another unique feature of the Saunder’s line of study guides.
Recommended to all health science libraries as a general reference text. Also will prove essential to all fellows and young physicians considering specialized practice as a urologist.
Law & Law Related
INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF PENOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE. Editors: Shlomo Giora Shoham. Ori Beck. Martin Kett. CRC Press.
Synopsis: This text provides an expert overview of the philosophy of punishment, as an array of international scholars look to unlock the history, theory and practice of Criminal Justice. Topics of coverage include punishment and culture; prisons and jails; the incidence of suicide during incarceration; the death penalty; varying perspectives on parole and community corrections; crime prevention; retribution and retaliation; systems of policing; comparative analysis of the roles and functions of the prosecution and defense; the concept of sentencing; victims and victimization; white collar crime; and a compelling chapter on the inception of American sex offender policies since the 1900s.
Recommended because: Of its scope and breadth and its place in the canon of reference literature. Shoham and co-authors have truly done a comprehensive job in analyzing the international system of penology (dissecting the history of punishment as they escort the reader through the grand labyrinth of the courts and prisons). However, this text is rendered indispensable to the library shelf when the sociology of the prisoner under incarceration is discussed – the reader made to experience the toll the penal system has on the offender. In essence, to fully appreciate this topic, the reader must understand that the world-wide system of punishment now in place has far-reaching tentacles which simultaneously impact many different subject areas (such as Sociology, Political Science, History and Psychology). Accordingly, Shoham and co-writers are careful to connect us to this fact by examining their subject matter in exhaustive terms (without skirting sensitive areas).
Recommended to all libraries at the college-level for its long-term reference value relevant to a multiplicity of disciplines. Going further, instructors in Administration of Justice courses would be well-served to maintain a classroom copy of this text as a means to illuminate the forces driving our penal system.
by John Aiello
BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY. 8th Edition. Bryan A. Garner. West’s Law.
Synopsis: Black’s Law Dictionary is a staple in law offices and law schools around the country. In short, this is the legal scholar’s bible which contains not only the basis of the practice of law but also definitions to myriad legal principles and related concepts – a complete picture of our system of government (and its foundations). Now in its 8th installment, Black’s boasts over 40,000 entries and 3,000 quotations – dissecting the core of the law through its very personal vocabulary. In addition, Garner carefully deconstructs the potential problems with this ultra-specialized language, offering alternate spellings and equivalent terms for more than five thousand entries, a lesson which not only shows the reader the hidden complexities in the field but also helps to enhance vocabulary and strengthen the ability to understand, write and analyze legal concepts.
Recommended because: This volume is indispensable to the successful study of the law. Simply, without the ability to decipher the words of their craft a student cannot attain competency in any field. And this is especially true for the study of law, which requires the innate talent to simultaneously address competing arguments. Accordingly, vocabulary forms the foundation for this skill, outfitting young would-be lawyers with a deeper intellectual curiosity. In light of these attributes, we recommend Black’s for its authoritative tone and its foresight to ‘keep up with the times’ in an ever-changing discipline. In addition to its comprehensive inclusion of all terms applicable to the study and practice of law, the authors (and his editors) have carefully constructed a reference-resource that addresses the challenges of the new century. For example, the inclusion of terms and phrases like “cyberpiracy,” “cyberterrorism” and “antispamming” shed light on the technology of the world and our reliance on internet-based information. Consequently, this reliance on computers has opened different legal minefields which now impact the way that lawyers counsel their clients and evaluate evidence. The decision to include this kind of data in the revised edition of Black’s not only proves beneficial to readers everywhere, but it also speaks to West’s commitment to forge new roads and break new ground in the realms of legal publishing.
Recommended to law libraries at both the university level and in the public sector as a primary reference text – simply, every law library must possess a copy of this text as it literally ‘defines’ the vocabulary of the law. In addition, Black’s is useful to practicing attorneys and their staffs: This in-office reference will likely see daily usage and that alone justifies its inclusion in your office-library.
THE PORTABLE LAWYER FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. 2nd Edition. Barton E. Bernstein. Thomas L. Hartsell. Wiley.
Synopsis: Bernstein (a practicing attorney and licensed social worker) and Hartsell (an attorney and college professor) have crafted an invaluable resource for the mental health professional detailing how the law impacts this very specialized area of medicine. Portable provides basic coverage on exactly what the mental health professional’s standards of conduct are under the law, with expert analysis of how psychologists and psychiatrists should treat health records, protect confidentiality, obtain consent forms for treatment, maintain patient records, as well as guidance on how to navigate through a case where forensic issues exists. In addition, the authors have incorporated sample forms into the text as a means to fully illustrate what steps a mental health worker should take in order to protect themselves and their patients from legal mine fields.
Recommended because: Of the way the material is presented and for its long-term reference value to both professional and academic communities. Many psychology students lack a basic understanding of the laws that govern health care workers, and of the very specific regulations that pertain to the mental health professional. Consequently, students tend to focus entirely on their course of study without giving due thought to the professional and legal standards that must be maintained. Further, many practicing psychologists fail to realize that by short-cutting these requirements they are setting themselves up for lawsuits and Medical Board reprimands — problems that are created needlessly by simply failing to remain current with changes in the law. Thus, Portableoffers cogent and easily accessible direction on how the mental health worker should protect themselves and their patients from trouble. The writing here stands out – styled for readers who may not have extensive backgrounds in the law. Also notable for its specialized supplements, including a section on treating older adult patients.
In addition to being an invaluable resource for all mental health professionals, we further recommended this selection to all college level libraries as a general reference text. Moreover, instructors in this area of study should at least make their students aware of these issues: the goal here is to provide the prospective mental health professional with some exposure to the legal requirements of the discipline prior to being licensed.
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (For The Criminal Justice Professional). John N. Ferdico. Thomson/Wadsworth.
Synopsis: This benchmark text by John Ferdico (the former Assistant Attorney General in Maine) provides a comprehensive overview of legal procedure as it relates to criminal court proceedings. Now in its 9th edition and respected throughout academic circles for its depth and breadth, Ferdico has authored a study that sets the standard for legal academic writing. It covers all aspects of criminal procedure, providing the student with the foundational information they will need to begin deeper exploration into the study of law. The topics covered are numerous, and each are presented so that one subject area builds into another. Analysis on arrests, search warrants, police frisks, the primary Constitutional Amendments that apply to the criminal defendant, probable cause – and more.
Recommended because: Criminal Procedure is simply the most lucid text we have seen on this very complicated material. Ferdico writes with a focused and clear style, providing the student with information in a manner that facilitates deep understanding (instead of promoting mere memorization of data for testing purposes). Ferdico outlines the law by citing case authority, then attempts to clarify the case language by expanding on the Court’s impetus behind its rulings. By approaching the inner-workings of criminal procedure in this manner, students are forced to analyze theory and fact as it applies to the study of the law. This edition includes a free Crime and Evidence in Action CD-ROM, access to a book-companion website, and 4 months of free access to Infotrac.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as general reference text. Further recommended as a teaching text for all lower-division Administration of Justice courses: young would-be police officers would be well-served to begin their exploration of this material early in their academic careers, and this text is a natural starting point.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN AMERICA. 4th Edition. George F. Cole and Christopher E. Smith. Thomson/Wadsworth.
Synopsis: The fourth edition of this text published by Wadsworth examines the concept of the American criminal justice system from all its perspectives, beginning with an analysis of crime and the courts and moving through the myriad functions of police and the departments of corrections. A well-conceived chapter on constitutional law is included. This material is of vital importance during a time when new Federal acts (like the Patriot Act) have set out to suspend some important elements of the Constitution (in turn reducing due process protections for the citizenry). This edition includes an interactive CD-ROM which allows the student to move through the topics of the text on-line — a feature that allows the reader maximum flexibility and attempts to make the learning experience fun.
Recommended because: The text offers a new look at old material: rather than weigh the student down with a dry discourse on the courts in America, Cole and Smith have updated their presentation to make these topics relevant to the world in which we live. Consequently, students in urban areas will find meaning in the book beyond the classroom, as it speaks to the places where they’re living and working and studying.
The ground Cole and Smith are able to cover, and the depth in which they attack the data, make Criminal Justice appropriate as a text for use in a variety of courses (from Administration of Justice to Criminology); also recommended for inclusion in all college level libraries as a general reference text detailing the idea of a criminal justice system in a democratic society.
Literature & Speech
Philosophy & Film
GARNER’S MODERN AMERICAN USAGE. The Authority on Grammar, Usage and Style. Third Edition. Bryan A. Garner. Oxford University.
Synopsis: This reference proves indispensible for college students, providing an erudite and clearly-stated analysis of modern American usage. Garner’s Modern builds a road-map on how to communicate effectively via the platform of the printed page. In essence, this book shows us how to maximize the power of words and strengthen presentation (both in person and in writing). To this end, the author shows his reader how this mission can be accomplished by developing a keen understanding of grammar, pronunciation, style and usage. Additionally, a series of essays on problem words and phrases teaches the reader how to effectively write for an audience – with clarity and word-choice the lessons of the day.
Recommended because: Of its depth of knowledge and authoritative voice, which never wavers from its true course – to teach young writers how to state their case with clarity, focus and power. Bryan Garner, who is a highly regarded grammarian and attorney, has created a manual here that should be in the reference stacks of every college library, since Garner’s Modern packs the potential to teach students how to write (while showing instructors new ways to enlighten the eyes and ears of their classrooms). Going further, Garner has taken the concept of the “grammar guide” and pushed it to the next level: By including the Garner’s “Language-Change Index” (a feature new to the third edition which artfully dissects the standards of usage), the author has built a resource for the 21st century that not only tells readers what the rules are but also shares the reasons behind those rules.
Recommended to all libraries at the college-level for its long-term reference value: Basically, Garner’s Modern proves relevant to all disciplines, since knowing how to write for the classroom is a permanent requirement for all majors.
by John Aiello
LITERATURE AND ITS WRITERS. Ann Charters. Samuel Charters. Bedford/St. Martins.
Synopsis: This text, now in its third edition, offers students an introductory to fiction, poetry and drama – a book that builds on the topics from the essence of the foundation, escorting the first year literature student through an array of the best of the written word. Each chapter begins with an analysis of the genre (“What is a Short Story”/”What is a Poem?”), before moving into the elements of each style (instructing on how to read and analyze a piece). From this, we move into discussion of the writers (and the works). For example, in the fiction section, the Charters do an exemplary job in thoroughly dissecting the form: explaining the difference between ‘plot’ and ‘setting’ in a way that is meaningful to the student. But the journey does not end here; instead, the authors immediately throw the definitions in ‘motion,’ presenting a series of works that will move young readers to apply what they’re learning as they’re learning. This wonderful anthology includes works by Chekov, Poe, Steinbeck, as well as seldom anthologized writers like Eudora Welty and Amy Tan.
Recommended because: The Charters (Ann is known for her sterling work on the Jack Kerouac archive and Sam is a renown music producer and writer) have achieved a rarity in textbooks: although this tool is meant to teach the fledgling literature student, they have personalized their ‘lectures’ so as to make the dissertations a part of the poems and stories they speak to. Accordingly, Literature teaches as it entertains, exposing the heretofore hidden layers of these wondrous worlds — cutting to the core, meat past bone, exposing the sun glowing across the stark blue shoulders of her sky. In short, this book builds an enthusiasm for the practice of writing and for the products of its solitary and painful road. On all levels – from design, to organization, to editing, to content – this one is perfect.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text. Recommended as a class text in all introduction to literature courses on both the college and high school levels.
THE FILM EXPERIENCE. An Introduction. Timothy Corrigan. Patricia White. Bedford/St. Martins.
Synopsis: Text dedicated to providing the student with insight into how to watch films and then analyze them as a means to build skills leading toward in depth written analysis. In Experience, Corrigan and White attempt to bring the reader to the realization that watching a film is an interactive activity — one in which a relationship between viewer and movie evolves slowly over time. As the authors note, it is not until this relationship matures can one competently write about film and its myriad processes. Accordingly, the authors take us on a mystical journey through the art of the cinema, covering the subject in its entirety (from marketing and distribution to soundtrack and editing) to show the reader everything that has to fall together with synchronized organization before a movie takes on a face and becomes a living breathing being.
Recommended because: Of the way Corrigan and White have organized this material and presented it — the writing clear and easy to read, with expert use of illustrations that serve as working examples of the concepts discussed. By doing this, the authors create an interactive classroom manual meant to be consulted as the student prepares to view a film and sift through the scenes of the story being told. In this grand era of technology (when computers can talk and play music and calculate figures), the art form of the film has pretty much stayed the same. And this book provides a point of reference for the young student, teaching him what to look for in a movie as he places himself within the context of the bigger ideas that a serious film will naturally embody.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text. Recommended as a class text in all introduction to film courses on both the college and high school level for its clarity, design and long-term teaching value.
THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING. Stephen E. Lucas. McGraw-Hill.
Synopsis: This text comes with two CD-ROMS and looks to explore ways to teach students to confront the task of speaking in public. As a student who stuttered and fled from talking aloud in school, I can attest to the fact that these principles are quite hard to master. Art of Public seeks to teach students to be less afraid of speaking in public by forcing them to practice the activity and then grade their performance. Handy workbook exercises draw the shy student out of his shell.
Recommended because: The text artfully confronts the subject and provides deep insight into things a student can do to enhance his public speaking skills. The package includes many workbook activities that allow the student to practice little things all in an effort to build confidence and ready him for the stage. The evaluation forms allow students to quickly evaluate their performances, teaching them to look for the specific things that give a speech its quality. Finally, the TopicFinder suggests possible themes students might want to explore for their speeches — a feature which demonstrates that it’s easier to talk about subjects you have an interest in.
Recommended as a teaching text for all undergraduate Speech 1A classes because of its practical exercises and clear presentation. Further, we recommended it to all college-level libraries as a general reference text.
Social Science Topics
THE LIBERTY READER. Edited by David Miller. Paradigm.
Synopsis: This reader introduced by Professor David Miller features essays from some of the finest political thinkers of the era, including Hannah Arendt, F.A. Hayek, Philip Pettit, Charles Taylor and Nancy Hirschmann. The pieces collected here are focused on the greatest ideal of any Democratic government: Freedom. Accordingly, each essay is written in an evocative style and with piercing passion – true testaments to their subject matter. Topics of coverage include “Individual Liberty,” “Freedom and Politics,” “A Third Concept of Liberty” and the “Constraints of Freedom” – to name but a few of the highpoints. In addition, the essay “What’s Wrong With Negative Liberty” poses tough questions, forcing readers to interact with themselves in a way that will naturally stimulate deep introspection.
Recommended because: This reader is about stimulating college-aged readers to examine their environments and better appreciate the extraordinary freedoms with which we have been blessed. However, recent legislation like the Patriot Act now threatens some of the personal liberties so many have come to take for granted. Is this infringement on personal freedom worth its high price if it means a safer world? Can impulses of terrorism be thwarted by altering how the government governs? These are the kinds of questions that this book sets in motion in the mind of its audience – deep and searching questions meant to drive the populous to examine itself in the course of examining its government. The idea here is to look at where we have been as a People – reassessing the successes and the failures – as we look at the future and where the world is going. Miller has done an outstanding job in editing this volume, and the pieces build onto each other with a seamlessness that make the book appear as a single narrative in steady progression toward a higher plane.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. In addition, the book would prove to be a valuable supporting course text in political science, anthropology or philosophy courses rooted in exploring the individual’s quest for liberty.
CREATING BLACK AMERICANS: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND ITS MEANINGS 1619 TO THE PRESENT. Nell Irvin Painter. Oxford University Press.
Synopsis: This brand new book from Oxford Press is destined to be recognized as the absolute authority on the subject of African American history. Painter, a professor of American History at Princeton University, has done a masterful job of detailing her subject from start to finish – -a comprehensive and impeccable record that can’t help but enrich the reader. Painter’s treatise uses Africa during pre-slavery times as its starting point, taking up the story of black Americans from a perspective that predates the onset of suffering and turmoil. From here, the reader moves into the topic of slavery, thus beginning a journey that crosses 3 centuries. In addition to the shameless exploitation of black people by slave masters, readers will also explore myriad other topics, including the impact of the Civil War, Reconstruction/White Supremacy, the Jim Crow years and the Civil Rights Movement (which finally gave African Americans a real voice through men like Martin Luther King and Malcom X). Painter also includes deep analysis of “Black Power” as well as modern social movements that spawned new and vital modes of expression like hip-hop and rap.
Recommended because: Of the comprehensive nature of Professor Painter’s book that, more than anything, shows the long and complicated road the African American people have traveled. Black Americans have had to do super human things in order to survive — enduring obstacles which other races have not encountered. The fact that black people survived not only slavery, but hundreds of years of subsequent oppression, is a testament to their collective will and strength and faith. Professor’s Painter’s book not only gives us all the pertinent historical data, but it is written in a way that embodies the very passion and grace of the people it describes. Obviously, this is not your typical “history” book, but instead, a volume that seeks to paint a picture of African Americans by showing that their story is the story of a country being born and coming to know itself. What have we learned from the days of slavery? What have we learned about equality for all men? What did we learn from Huey P. Newton’s “Panthers” and from Martin Luther King’s death? Have we made real progress as a nation? Are we a great enough nation to admit our failures so that future generations will not be damned to repeat them? The lessons for our young people are contained in Professor Painter’s impeccably written text.
Recommended to all libraries at both the college-level and in public sector — simply, this title is the literal ‘definition’ of a reference work. Further recommended to instructors in black history and black studies courses as a class text. The author’s chronology of black history set against examples of the art work being created by a People battling centuries-old oppression puts a powerful book over-the-top. The best history book of the year, hands down.
EDUCATION, GLOBALIZATION, AND THE STATE IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM. Edited by Michael A. Peters. Paradigm.
Synopsis: Michael Peters, a professor of education at the University of Glasgow, edited this collection of essays which focuses on the role of higher education in an era stricken by terrorism. These well-written pieces assemble many of the finest international academicians in the field of Sociology, and they examine the subject from all angles, trying to bring some understanding to these uncertain times. The very scope of this text is impressive, as it covers a myriad sampling of the most pressing social topics the world faces today: Democracy under siege; education and social movements post 9-11; the politicization of the youth in the midst of the Iraq war; life in times of global chaos; and the proposed globalization of the Iraqi nation.
Recommended because: Of it’s relevance to the way the mission of education has changed as a result of the random acts of terrorism that have occurred during the last 4 years. Most people have only looked at terrorism in terms of how it has changed our daily lives — additional scrutiny at the airport, a more visible display of security in cities throughout the Western world. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Accordingly, Peters and his co-writers demonstrate through these in depth writings that the things we teach our youth and the ways in which we teach them have been drastically altered by the events of 9-11 (and the subsequent bombings in Madrid). Ideas such as equality for all come under quick attack in times of war/unrest, and these essays eloquently address how these changes not only afflict the present generation, but instead impact the world for decades to come. Vital and timely – a sociology study in the purest sense.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text, serving as an erudite examination of how the war in Iraq (and terrorism) have changed the evolution of world culture. Further recommended as a teaching text in all sociology courses that examine the impact of war on society, education and the youth culture.
TERRORISM. Avoidance and Survival. Chester L. Quarles. University Press Of America.
Synopsis: This study details the phenomenon of terrorism, examining its root causes and its religious under-currents, carefully serving as a guide book for the world in these terribly troubled times. Quarles has done a fine job in providing his readers with a book that is aimed at helping us avoid being caught in the middle of a terrorist attack — and if by chance some sort of a terrorist emergency does happen, Terrorism offers sound counsel on how to survive the ordeal. Well-written and thorough, with information that is timely and vital.
Recommended because: Of our world today. One peek at the television news or a magazine and you’ll see that life in the 21st century is driven by terrorism — and our fear of it. Fear is abundant today. Iraq. The World Trade Center collapse. Bush’s “War on Terrorism.” The stink of it is ever-pervasive. These ideas have choked us — we are now a paralyzed people. However, Mr. Quarles has written an accessible book that offers real advice and forces us to rationally confront our emotions – and ourselves. More than some “interesting read,” this is a book that will be used time and again as we try to figure out these conflicts.
Recommended for all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Should further be considered as a required text by sociology instructors to help prepare students to better understand the complex problem of terrorism.
Media & Journalism
MULTI MEDIA. David Peck. Delmar/Thomson Learning.
Synopsis: This first-rate text allows the novice to become competent in preparing/developing multimedia presentations. Many different topics are covered, including project development, graphics, video/sound and how to choose software. Also, well-designed project exercises outline approaches to formally drafting the presentation (note the outstanding segment on the multiple uses of Adobe’s Persuasion).
Recommended because: This is a fine starter’s manual, written for the beginner who finds himself in the midst of learning how to use multiple media to design presentations. Many of these types of texts tend to “jump in” too fast, and Peck (with over two decades worth of experience in the field) has done a remarkable job in taking the reader through these topics in a well-paced and comprehensive way, each chapter naturally building on the next to allow the student to absorb the information completely (while promoting long-term comprehension).
Recommended to all public sector and college-level libraries as a general reference text. Would further serve as a teaching text in the fields of graphic design, art/graphics and journalism, providing information on how these changing technologies can be applied to the classroom.
Fire Science
FORENSIC CREMATION – RECOVERY AND ANALYSIS. Scott I. Fairgrieve. CRC Press.
Synopsis: This manual serves to teach students of forensic science how to investigate the after-scene of a fire, teaching fledgling scientists how to search for, recover and analyze fire-evidence (or cremains). Specifically, the ability to examine a fire-scene and recover and interpret burned remains is a highly nuanced skill which requires both patience and a vision to see details that might not be readily apparent at first glance. In this text, Fairgrieve takes a comprehensive tour through the process of recovering cremains, following this process from the point of discovery through recovery and analysis. Topics of coverage include cremains in the forensic setting; fire and combustion; the cremation process; scene recovery; laboratory analysis; heat-induced alterations of bone microstructure; incineration of dental tissues; and positive identification of cremated remains.
Recommended because: It serves as a comprehensive examination of a complicated area of study that intersects multiple layers of the fire sciences. What is best about this manual is that it provides a detailed synopsis of the challenges inherent to forensic cremation recovery (while simultaneously educating the scientist on how to proceed with the investigation of a fire scene and the effective search for cremains and other related links of evidence). Additionally,Forensic Cremation reviews the mechanisms of fire, discussing the power fire that has to change the chemical and physical properties of matter (including its effects on human tissue and walls of bone). Fairgrieve’s treatise is notable because of its depth of expertise and because of its ability to convey to the reader that this kind of work takes both flexibility and vision. Bluntly, fire scenes tend to be scenes of vast damage and great chaos; thus, the scientist needs to remain flexible in how he surveys the ruins and hunts for clues (forsaking ‘formula’ in order to examine the whole of a scene). Excellent writing and organization combine with effective use of graphics to create the authoritative voice in the field.
Recommended to all libraries at the college level for its long-term reference value – a one-of-a-kind book that has meaning to multiple areas of study (including fire science, police science and criminal law).
by John Aiello
General Science Topics
ELECTROCHEMICAL DICTIONARY. Editors: Allen J. Bard. Gyorgy Inzelt. Fritz Scholz. Springer.
Synopsis: More than 2,700 entries record the terms most used in the study of electrochemistry and its related fields (including physics and engineering). In addition, some 300 illustrations are used to augment entries and provide additional insight into the terms being analyzed. Finally, definitions are bolstered by referrals to the best reviews and supporting references available on the subject matter at hand – a feature meant to promote deeper interest in the mind of the reader.
Recommended because: This text has been created by the leading voices in the field who are able to synthesize complicated material into readily digestible ‘bite-size’ portions. Basically, for any dictionary to be useful, it must be easy to navigate while containing a wide breadth of knowledge that’s been distilled for the eye of a mass audience. However, for scientific-based dictionaries the task is doubly difficult, since scientific concepts often evade simple explanation. Accordingly, the creators of the Electrochemical Dictionary have done a laudable job to ensure that each definition included here has been defined in precise terms in a clear and readily accessible style. Additionally, entries also offer suggestions on ‘further reading’ in the given subject area – this dictionary taking its mission to the next level by pointing users to more dedicated references in the field.
Recommended to all libraries at the college-level for its long-term reference value relevant to a multiplicity of disciplines.
by John Aiello
WILDFLOWERS IN THE FIELD AND FOREST: A FIELD GUIDE TO THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES. Steve Clemants. Carol Gracie. Oxford University Press.
Synopsis: This manual just released by Oxford is the ultimate botanical guide to wildflowers indigenous to the Northeastern lip of the United States, and it will assist both the student of botany and the casual reader (nature walker) with identification of the key plant-life in the region. The ultimate field guide,Wildflowers has been built for quick reference by the reader who is on the move — a book meant to be used while in the midst of the outdoors to assist with identification of the myriad flowers that one will encounter in the layered wild-grounds of the Northeastern United States. In the text, flowers are grouped by color (since “it is usually the feature first to be noticed”), and then further analyzed by defining physical characteristics such as petal arrangement, leaf-type and anatomy. Information is imparted in crisp two-page increments, with range maps (where the flowers are found and during what time of year) set against color photos of the specimens.
Recommended because: Of its design and comprehensive format. The whole point behind biological or botany field guides is that they be able to convey information to the reader in a lightning quick way. And that is where Wildflowers excels. Clemants and Gracie have done an exemplary job in creating a manual that presents a wealth of information in a solid and sure style. What makes this selection stand out is the lay-out and the ease with which the reader will be able to quickly note what they are seeing in relation to the part of the country they are in. Additionally, the color photographs are of remarkable quality for their size, with the physical traits of the flowers’ anatomy clearly visible and well-defined. Finally, the comprehensive nature of Wildflowers deserves recognition: While the authors cover the most common flowers one is likely to encounter, they are also careful to examine less obvious varieties of plant life in an effort to create a truly authoritative guide that will have value to Botanists and beginning students alike.
This text is recommended for inclusion in all libraries in the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada at both the college-level and in the public sector. Further recommended as a field guide for Botanists and advanced students of the Botanical Sciences in any course focused on this wide region of America.
by John Aiello
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PHYSICS. Third Edition. Edited By Rita G. Lerner. George L. Trigg. John Wiley and Sons.
Synopsis: This text offers analysis by 500 leading voices dedicated to the study of Physics (P.W. Anderson, Owen Chamberlain, Georges Charpak, Steven Chu, Val Fitch, Martin Perl), covering myriad topics that encompass the most recent research in the field. As noted, Physics expands on a wide variety of material, with discussion of atomic trapping and cooling, Biophotonics, Econophysics, the formation of stars and planets and Quantum Communication (to name the obvious centerpieces). The material on Astrophysics is especially illuminating and timely, given recent advances in the of the interaction between matter and radiation.
Recommended because: Of the comprehensive tone of the text and the expertise of its contributors. Rest assured, this is not some haphazard compilation of ramblings on Physics. Instead, this text builds itself by-way of an impeccable foundation, as experts (and several Nobel laureates) from across the globe come together to expand on the full-scope of the discipline. What makes this an indispensable library reference is in the way the authors/editors have assembled material from all aspects of Physics in order to provide a one-stop resource that extends itself to deeper study — the “further reading” addendums allowing the reader to begin investigation into these topics on his own through a multiplicity of resources. The goal of any “encyclopedia” is to provide an overview of its subject in concrete and certain terms. From here, the data should serve a stepping-stone promoting deeper awareness of a given discipline. And that’s just what this work does: (1) offering a rich compilation of the latest research on Physics; and (2) elevating the consciousness of the reader to the point where self-study becomes plausible.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text; simply, Lerner’s Encyclopedia of Physics should be consulted regularly by students who are engaged in the discipline. While not necessarily practical for students to purchase as a supporting reference text, multiple copies should be on reserve in the library and assignments tailored to include reference to this fine work.
HANDBOOK OF ION CHROMATOGRAPHY. Joachim Weiss. Tatjana Weiss. John Wiley.
Synopsis: John Wiley and Sons is a leader in the publication of textbooks devoted to Chemistry and Chemical Science. This selection continues that trend and serves as the authority on Ion Chromatography. It begins with an overview of the history of the subject, including a survey of the different focuses/types of Chromatography. Readers will be introduced to a comprehensive exploration into this very complicated topic, as many many pages have been devoted to the dedicated applications of Ion Chromatography and the ways this fascinating aspect of science touches our daily lives (with deep discussion of organic acids, household products, beverages, baby food, and detergents – among many others). Obviously, this text is written with an eye toward the practicing chemist and the instructor of the advanced science student; thus, it is not necessarily recommended to the lay reader who does not posses a working knowledge of the discipline and a fundamental understanding of scientific experimentation.
Recommended because: Of the breadth of coverage on what is a very intricate and difficult subject to penetrate. Handbook marks a major effort on the authors’ part to bring their readers a one-stop destination on Ion Chromatography. In doing so, they have provided much new information that is simply not available in this form anywhere else. We were especially impressed with Weiss’ inclusion of the application of Ion Chromatography to the life sciences, with detailed breakdown of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and amino acids. This information is of vital importance to scientists in other areas of study, and it will be especially helpful to nutritionists as they continue to investigate the causes and effects of obesity.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as the definitive source book on Ion Chromatography, written by one of the major researchers in the field who writes on the subject with lucid and erudite elegance. Also recommend to analytical chemistry instructors teaching the advanced concepts of Chromatography.
THE VOCABULARY AND CONCEPTS OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. Second Edition. Milton Orchin. Roger S. Macomber. Allan R. Pinhas. R. Marshall Wilson. Wiley-Interscience.
Synopsis: Written by 4 esteemed researchers from the University of Cincinnati, this manual sets forth the basic concepts and defines all the pertinent terms relating to the study of organic chemistry. Like Black’s Law Dictionary (the main reference book speaking to the vocabulary as it relates to the practice of law), Vocabulary and Concepts sets out to create the definitive resource for building a life-long understanding of organic chemistry. In addition to defining words and phrases, the writers go one step further to delineate the concepts behind the terms, with coverage of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, photo chemistry and the four common spectroscopies (among so much more).
Recommended because: This is more than a mere compilation of the terms specific to the study of organic chemistry. Instead, what we have here is a book of definitions that moves seamlessly into deeper study of its subject. As noted, the concepts behind the words are explained in full and eloquent detail: the idea here is to show the student that the true study of science entails more than the memorization of words, but instead, builds over time as the reader comes to tie one theory/concept together with the next. This selection is vital to a student/young chemist developing a firm grasp on the basic vocabulary that must be learned in order to pursue deeper insight into the study of Chemistry (with focus on the organic sub-specialty). Now in its second edition, the reader benefits from the fact that this book has been around for over two decades. Moreover, it’s been written/edited by experts in the field who are not only speaking to student readers and their instructors, but also to the practicing chemist (who will no doubt find the text useful to the daily application of the principles that define the field)
Recommended as a supporting text in organic chemistry courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text in the science section.
VAN NOSTRAND’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHEMISTRY. Editor: Glenn D. Considine. Wiley Interscience.
Synopsis: Now in its 5th edition, Van Nostrand’s is the veritable bible of Chemistry (as it pertains to library reference). This book chronicles the complete landscape of the study of chemistry, with nearly 1,400 entries new to the revised edition. Special care has been taken by Considine to include analysis of burgeoning areas of study, including well-defined data on Nanotechnology, Green Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry and Fuel Cell Technology. Readers will also note expanded sections on Raw Materials Chemistry, Plant Chemistry and the Chemistry of Metals, all subjects of growing import given the energy crisis that looms over the next decade. Finally, in the realm of Pharmaceuticals, an excellent chapter on antibiotics and antibodies provides deep analysis of this ever-changing and vital area of medicine-research.
Recommended because: Of its comprehensive treatment of the subject material. Rather than only deal with the traditional study of the topic, Considine has been broad-minded enough to include new and relevant cutting-edge topics (like Fuel Cell Technology) that provide the reader with a full overview of Chemistry. While many similar reference texts are only useful to the practicing research chemist, this volume will prove vital to both the student and the professional scientist. Moreover, Considine’s text (with insightful commentary and analysis from the leading voices in the field) will end up being essential to a diverse community of specialists, including medical scientists, engineers and industrial researchers. However, the best attribute of Van Nostrand’s is its presentation: topics are first defined and then expanded on in full detail, with deft use of illustrations/graphs to augment chapters and promote thorough retention on the part of the reader. In this respect, Van Nostrand’s is also conducive to use as a teaching tool, as the material is conveyed in a clear and concise manner that in turn will have meaning to the advanced college student.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text: it is simply an imperative reference because of its breadth of coverage. In addition, the updated articles are relevant to developing areas of chemical research/study.
SAX’S DANGEROUS PROPERTIES OF INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS. 11th Edition. Richard J. Lewis Sr. Wiley.
Synopsis: Now in its 11th edition, Sax’s is a textbook known to many academicians as the definitive source analyzing some 26,000 hazardous substances found in commercial use today. This in depth analysis offers myriad insights, providing information on toxicological, reactive, explosive and regulatory levels. In Sax’s, Lewis (a noted chemist) has compiled the ultimate resource for those who come in contact with potentially life-threatening materials, analyzing the Immediate Life or Health levels for over 1,000 chemicals, with vital analysis of toxicity effects and carcinogenic potential relating to human tissue. With comprehensive regulatory data included, representing agencies such as OSHA and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Recommended because: Of its obvious and long-term reference value. Now in its sixth decade, Sax’s couldn’t be more relevant. In this age of terrorism and bioterrorism, communities in both urban and rural settings need to have the most up-to-date information available for dealing with dangerous properties. Here, the data is all in one place — meticulously researched and laid out for quick and easy reference. Aside from its teaching value, Sax’s is appropriate for use by fire departments (city and forestry), transportation clean-up crews and law enforcement, for it provides guidance on how to evaluate dangerous industrial substances and how to withstand exposure.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text. Also recommended as a class text in chemistry, fire science and industrial management courses. Should further be considered as a reference manual in government and transportation offices for use by any individuals who may encounter hazardous materials. A major resource building the indisputable voice on the subject.
THE HANDBOOK OF FLUOROUS CHEMISTRY. John A. Gladysz. Dennis P. Curran. Istvan T. Horvath. Wiley-Vch.
Synopsis: This handbook is one of the first of its kind to cover the complete spectrum of fluorous chemistry – a process of investigation that allows a chemical compound to be analyzed via “single pot” reactions, thus allowing the chemist to look at properties in their most pristine form. Accordingly, The Handbook offers insight into the basic concepts of this ground-breaking research technique, an in depth study of solvation and material properties that ignites the mind and imagination of the advanced student of chemistry. Commentary from the leading researchers in the field addresses all facets of fluorous chemistry, including up-to-date analysis on fluorous mixture separation techniques and invaluable counsel on laboratory procedures for applying the text material.
Recommended because: Of the scope of its coverage and its cutting-edge subject matter. Gladysz, Curran and Horvath have not only compiled one of the first handbooks focused on the task of demystifying fluorous chemistry, but they have written their text in a way to encourage the laboratory chemist to be creative and embark on his own investigation: in the true spirit of science the reader is called on to take the material, personalize it, and then make it his own. Also note worthy for the way it cuts down on preparation time so that the chemist’s energies can be devoted to exploration and experimentation.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Also would be an appropriate teaching text in advanced chemistry courses at the university level. We further suggest this as an in-lab manual for the practicing chemist; however, because of the advanced nature of the analysis, we cannot recommend the text for the entry level science student.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS. Per Enghag. Wiley-Vch.
Synopsis: This text marks a comprehensive study of the elements. In addition to multidimensional investigation of the elemental tables, Enghag (a world renown chemist and one of the leading researchers in the field) has taken the study a step further and delved into the history of this area of science – analyzing how the elements apply to daily life (as well as to the study of biology, chemistry and physics). Here, in an encyclopedia that brims with life-long reference value, the student has the whole and complete record of the elements at his fingertips. Includes invaluable data on isotope lists and thermodynamics.
Recommended because: Enghag has attempted to personalize this often “dry” area by including in his study both historical and practical aspects of the subject matter. Unfortunately, many scientists tend to be myopic in their teaching and thus students are driven away. In Encyclopedia, Enghag has included information about how we apply this data to our daily lives without even knowing it, addressing the ways that the elements impact modern engineering and the course of industry. By personalizing the material in this way, Enghag captures the reader’s complete attention.
Recommended to all college-level and public sector libraries as a general reference text. Would further be an appropriate teaching text in chemistry courses at both the university and community college levels (and in private high schools where scientific studies are more accelerated). Would also be useful as an in-lab manual for the practicing chemist.
THE CENTURY OF SPACE SCIENCE. Edited by Johan A.M. Bleeker. Johannes Geiss. Martin C.E. Huber. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Synopsis: This is the authoritative text on space science, examining the history of space study during the past century. Magnificent illustrations augment the text that takes us step-by-step from the beginning of space research to the present. All major topics are analyzed in detail, including a wonderful chapter onThe Moon before Apollo by James R. Arnold. Also, in depth discussions of the Milky Way, Solar System (see The Active Sun by Alexander and Acton) and early space research come together to build the ultimate reference text. Masterfully edited and perfectly complete.
Recommended because: There is no finer text available covering these subject areas. What we have here is the comprehensive chronicle of man in pursuit of the heavens. Simply, Century Of Space is exhaustive in its scope and flawless in its presentation. Written by the foremost experts in the field, students will find in this text the most accurate reportage available.
Recommended to all libraries as a general reference text, collecting essays from the leading thinkers in space science. College libraries ( junior college through university level) should have this text available to its students for research purposes. Public sector libraries should also have on hand for the general reader: I venture to say that such a research tool will most likely never again be duplicated in the field.
THE MIND AT NIGHT. Andrea Rock. Basic Books.
Synopsis: New study by Andrea Rock analyzing the twists and turns the human mind takes in dreams. Rock’s treatise takes the topics that so consumed Freud and Jung and brings them into a modern context — note the gripping material about New York residents and their dreams in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. Also very informative material on how dreams influence creativity.
Recommended because: The Mind strives to break new ground and explore an area of life so many people take for granted. Dreams embody our subconscious lives. They are an invisible component to our identities and can reveal answers to questions we have yet to form. Rock does a brilliant job at providing a road map so that we may begin our journey. This book will be of relevance to stone masons and fry cooks as much as it will be to poets and painters — for each of us pursues the chance to communicate with the spiritual self. And the door to this world finds itself only in dreams. Accordingly, Andrea Rock has written a wonderfully evocative study that allows an understanding of where we might go in our travels.
Appropriate for both public sector and college-level libraries.
Music
BROADCASTING AND THE BLUES. Black Blues In The Segregation Era. Paul Oliver. Routledge.
Synopsis: Paul Oliver is one of the world’s foremost experts on the Blues idiom, and this text serves as an impeccable summary of the most influential and wide-reaching of all music movements. Broadcasting begins by surveying the history of Blues extending from Africa through the fields of the South to present-day R&B amalgamations. From here, Oliver carefully dissects the lives of the people who shaped the Blues, in addition to carefully decoding the hidden meanings of the words that Blues writers used to deliver their message to their communities. Finally, Oliver carefully documents the way the Blues have influenced the culture and the way society has looked upon the music — revealing an ever-evolving art form that has helped to reflect the many merging segments of the world.
Recommended because: Of Oliver’s exhaustive exploration of a musical movement that came to define a People and give them a voice in the face of darkness and oppression. In the pre-integration era (the focus of this text), Black people were dependent on their music to serve as a home-base and foundation. The Blues, you see, allowed them a means of expression for their faith and despair and pain, allowing them one precious blood-born possession that could never be stolen away. Accordingly, Broadcasting (which found its form in the author’s renowned BBC radio broadcasts) serves to tell the story of the Black experience through its intimate and multi-dimensional music, taking the reader on a captivating journey into the heart of a People, exposing theirsoul via the songs that were sung and the melodies that were hummed. The Blues, truly, is a music born of the rhythm of the body as it rises up to breathe. Moreover, its greatest influence on other genres of musical expression is in the way it brings performers back to their roots and unto the source of their pain — the scent of agony now perfect and sacred inspiration. In short, Paul Oliver’s Broadcasting The Blues recounts the roads that were built and the doors that were torn down — a true and enduring testament to a music that will certainly outlast time.
Recommended to both libraries in the public sector and at the college level for its long-term reference value. Would further be appropriate as a teaching text in Music History, Black History or Sociology courses that examine the growth of culture through its art forms.
CDs & Songbooks
Wem Records & the Songs of California
CALIFORNIA SONGS. Vol. 2: 20th Century. Keith and Rusty McNeil. Wem Records.
CALIFORNIA SONGS. Vol. 1: 190th Century. Keith and Rusty McNeil. Wem Records. (Songbooks available separately).
Synopsis: The McNeils run Wem Records in Riverside, California, a company dedicated to the preservation of the music of history. These records (part of a series that includes Cowboy Songs, Western Railroad Songs, Colonial and Revolution Songs and Working Union Songs) trace the history of California through its songbook — a hearty collection of pieces that begins with Indian and Mexican-flavored music, and then moves deftly through the Gold Rush, the railroad boom, dust bowl immigration and the aftermath of World War Two. These performances are truly inspired (“Joe Bowers” and “Hayseed Like Me” standout), with authentic instrumentation that features mandolin, gaita, banjo and harmonica. Performed by the McNeils in the spirit of Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly (chronicling the history of our lives, reconnecting us with the spirits of our ancestors via this timeless folk music symphony).
Recommended because: This music absolutely belongs in a library. For all practical purposes, no library in either the public sector or at the college level should be without access to these CDs and the songbooks that serve as their trusty companions. For space considerations, we have only high-lighted theCalifornia Songs, but the other selections previously mentioned are just as significant. Aside from their educational value, these recordings also should be considered by theater instructors as stage music, since they would provide effectual background for any dramatic work that tells a story of the migration West and the many obstacles people had to overcome to settle this land (alluded to so beautifully in “Subsidy”). This is multidimensional and deep work, broad in scope, collecting the myriad influences of our music — each composition stripped down and stark, blooming in layers across time. As I said, this music absolutely belongs in a library: In an era when hip-hop and rap rule the charts, Wem Records has dedicated itself to yesterday: making accessible so many obscure songs to a new generation of students.
Psychology
AFTER SUICIDE LOSS: COPING WITH YOUR GRIEF. Bob Baugher. Jack Jordan. Published by the Sturbridge Group/Caring People Press.
Synopsis: This handbook serves to help suicide survivors understand the first wave of emotions that surface upon the loss of loved one to their own hand. The reference is organized chronologically and centered on the first days, weeks and months following the event, during the time (s) when confusion and feelings of helplessness are at their zenith. After Suicide includes a great amount of information, including a summary of psychiatric disorders; direction on where to seek professional help; and practical every-day strategies for coping with sudden loss.
Recommended because: The book offers valuable advice on how to survive a suicide and regain your balance (this text delivered in a straight-forward style that allows readers to get to the core of the information in quick steps). As inferred above, the first days following a loss are harrowing as survivors come to struggle with soul-gouging questions such as ‘What could I have done to stop this?’ However, as Jordan and Baugher show, there are no easy answers and no easy fixes in terms of repairing the scars on those who have been left behind. Instead, all you can do is confront your feelings as they appear, taking firm and concrete stems not to skirt any emotion (refusing to deny feelings of anger, resentment and helplessness). What’s best about this text (in addition to the wealth of practical advice it offers) is that it is immediately accessible: Rather than overwhelming readers with overly-scientific explanations of the phenomenon of suicide, Jordan and Baugher instead make their points clearly and economically, directing survivors to information in short order. This attribute cannot be over-stated, since individuals stuck in this situation simply don’t have the emotional patience or fortitude to wade through puddles of unnecessary data. Basically, if suicide survivors were to encounter only one resource in the first days following a loss, this should be the book – for it offers concrete advice on what to do to begin the healing process.
Recommended to any survivor of suicide – a practical and accessible resource that does not lose its audience in needless scientific pontification. In addition, recommended to all libraries at both the college level and in the public sector as a reference with long-term value to the ‘community.’
CREATIVITY AND THE BRAIN. Kenneth M. Heilman. Psychology Press.
Synopsis: This book from Psychology Press (a component of the Taylor and Francis Group) marks a unique and richly layered text that comes to examine the idea of creativity from a scientific point-of-view. In doing so, Heilman (Professor of Neurology and Health Psychology at the University of Florida) explores the phenomenon of the ‘creative mind’ by analyzing this great labyrinth of electrically-charged neurons that govern the human brain, looking to draw a parallel between creative drive and the way that neurological impulses travel from one part of the brain to the next. In Heilman’s treatise, many topics are discussed, including intelligence, knowledge, “talent,” gender and handedness (which looks at hand preference in humans in relation to creative pursuits and specific brain function). In addition, Heilman writes on aging and various neurological disorders as the brain is broken down layer by layer through a series of well-defined chapters.
Recommended because: Heilman’s text serves to strip way some of our romantic preoccupation with creativity and assigns to it a scientific explanation. And this perspective is quite important for students to accept: Many people go through life in agony because they want to be “creative,” yet are not. A classic example from the annals of literature comes to us in the form of Neal Cassidy: best friend of Jack Kerouac and hero of Kerouac’s classic novel “On The Road.” Cassidy went through life trying to live up to the reputations of his friends — a man tormented by the fact that he wasn’t as prolific or profound a writer as Keroauc or Allen Ginsberg or William Burroughs. Instead, Cassidy was an expert mechanic, a man truly adept at working with his hands. But this wasn’t enough for him, and he constantly pushed himself to “be creative” even though the impulse often wasn’t there (a fact that tortured him for so much of his adult life). Impressionable young people would be well served to read this book so that they might begin to understand that all people cannot be artists or writers or painters. To the contrary, we are who we are. And we must live with the way our individual brains move — like it or not. Accordingly, in Creativity And The Brain, Professor Heilman offers an original and impeccably researched report on the reasons why we work the way we do.
Recommended to all college-level libraries for its long-term reference value in multiple disciplines — including Psychology and Neurology. Further recommended to Psychology instructors as a primary text for all courses that examine how the mind develops the individual.
THE BIOLOGY OF DEPRESSION. From Novel Insights to Therapeutic Strategies. Editors: Julio Licinio and Ma-Li Wong. Wiley-VCH.
Synopsis: Depression is a huge problem world-wide, responsible for myriad disabilities and various violent crimes, as people struggle with the demons within. This text by Wong and Licinio (two esteemed researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles Neuropsychiatric Institute) comes in two volumes and covers the topic in striking and comprehensive terms. Readers will engage in a discussion of the phenomenon of depression from all vantage points, including thoughtful analysis of the psychosocial, environmental, biological, genetic and pharmacogenomic aspects of the disease — the lesson being that the health care provider cannot provide efficient treatment of the condition unless a firm understanding of both causation and external contributing factors is attained. The volume also discusses the basis for current treatments, in addition to examining the potential for genomic research that might help scientists find more efficient long-term treatment therapies.
Recommended because: Of its far-reaching boundaries and because we have not seen another book on this subject as detailed and well-organized; simply, everything the clinician needs to know in order to arrive at suitable treatment for the individual patient is contained on the pages of this handbook. In addition to its exhaustive nature, the best aspect of this book is that it has been constructed to thoroughly explore the fact that long-standing depression can have vast and deleterious medical consequences on the patient, including adverse effect on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. The importance of covering the topic in this fashion cannot be under-played: for too long a time, people have been taught to discount depression as an actual disease, dismissing it with quick off-hand phrases — “he’s not sick, that’s just the way he is.” Now, it’s become clear that depression is a very real affliction with very real effects that require the direct attention of the collective medical community.
Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. This volume would also be a useful addition to any Psychiatrist’s office because of its handling of myriad topics, including the long-term physical consequences of depression.
Of Related Interest
PERSONALITY DISORDERS. Editors: Mario Maj. Hagop S. Akiskal. Juan E. Mezzich. Ahmed Okasha. Wiley.
As noted in the preceding review, functional forms of mental disturbance (like depression) are escalating in frequency. Moreover, a group of afflictions that fit into the category of “personality disorder” — encompassing problems like Schizoid, Paranoid Disorder, Antisocial Disorder and Histrionic Disorder — are presently both “underdiagnosed and undertreated” by the health care community. This well-ordered text by a world-wide collection of experts provides an authoritative exploration of these common and misunderstood conditions. In addition to the clinical aspects of the disorders, the authors are careful to look into the social ramifications they cause. The lesson: these are not solely the problems of the individual, but instead, embody myriad societal issues that require the focus of each citizen.
Highly recommended to all physicians who practice within the realm of psychological medicine, since these conditions are quite common and widespread. Further recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text with long-term value.
DISASTERS AND MENTAL HEALTH. Editors: Juan Jose Lopez-Ibor. George Christodoulou. Mario Maj. Norman Sartorius. Ahmed Okasha. Wiley.
This text looks at mental disease from a unique point-of-view, examining the impact of both natural and man-made disasters on the well-being of the human mind. Included in the definition of disaster are occurrences like war, hurricanes, terrorism, earthquakes and famine. Here, Lopez-Ibor and his co-editors have surveyed the way such events shape perspective and then negatively impact a person’s ability to cope with the demands of daily life. The discussion includes both clinical and epidemiological aspects of mental health set against external factors over which we have no control. Additionally, the contributing writers examine both psychosocial and psychobiological factors as a means to show how destructive this particular type of mental disorder can be. Significant events like the Kobe Earthquake and the September 11, 2001 attack on New York City are examined through a series of incisive and thought-provoking reports.
Highly recommended to all physicians who practice within the realm of psychological medicine and who treat significant numbers of post-trauma patients. Further recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Finally, this book would be a useful supporting text in any Sociology courses that focus on examining the effect of world events on the human condition.
HANDBOOK OF PREVENTIVE INTERVENTIONS FOR ADULTS. Edited by Catherine N. Dulmus. Lisa A. Rapp-Paglicci. Wiley.
Like the Disasters and Mental Health text (above), this selection forms an original examination of ways that specific segments of society (beginning with health care professionals) can intervene to help prevent the onset of serious emotional, physical and social problems. To date, it has been common for researchers to look at ideas of prevention in terms of children and infants, the idea has been to focus on preventing injury in those who can’t yet help themselves. However, this book by Dulmus (University of Tennessee) and Rapp-Paglicci (University of South Florida) begins to apply these same child-prevention principles to adults. The authors make an interesting presentation here, identifying a given problem and its inherent risks, and then immediately discussing proactive ways that intervention might occur in order to prevent injury. A wide range of topics are discussed, including suicide, substance addiction/abuse, anxiety, prolonged grief, heart disease, breast cancer, obesity, insomnia, AIDS, gambling and domestic violence (to cite exceptional chapters). The proposed lesson for the reader: Identify the risk factors in your life and the things you can do to mitigate them. Over time and through well-directed energies, potential life-threatening situations can thus be forestalled before “treatment” is ever required.
Recommended to all college-level libraries, this book is vital to myriad areas of study (psychology, medicine, sociology). Further recommended as a class text in psychology courses that examine ways the individual can work to control his own destiny. Finally, should be required reading in medical school programs for its emphasis on prevention of maladies like hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This message is too important to ignore.
THE CONCISE CORSINI ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE. Third Edition. W. Edward Craighead and Charles B. Nemeroff, Editors. Wiley.
Synopsis: This encyclopedia, in a convenient single volume, provides short summaries of the most relevant subject matter related to the study of Psychology and Behavioral Science. In its 3rd edition, Corsini collects comment from 800 contributing writers who dissect a myriad of topics, including addiction;Differential Psychology; psychological trauma as related to homelessness; grief; and the history of psychological assessment. Many chapters contain a list of subject references and suggested readings for further understanding, thus broadening the scope of the text and increasing its study value.
Recommended because: The encyclopedic format serves the material well – rather than fall into the over-writing trap that many psychology texts do, Corsini instead provides well-developed essays on the basis of all major psychological topics, with expert editing and subject development coming together to create a useful and up-to-date reference guide. The writers here get to the core of their subjects and outline them with cogent detail. From that point, the reader (should he have a deeper interest and crave more data), will have a foundational understanding to pursue a more in depth study.
Recommended to libraries on the college level and in the public sector as a general reference text. Would serve the under-graduate community well in that the writing provides basic foundational definition of topic and concept as a means to begin the investigative process for the student. The heavy-duty hard binding of this edition is quite durable and should hold up nicely to repeated research use.
PSYCHOLOGY APPLIED TO EVERYDAY LIFE. Rick M. Gardner. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Synopsis: Textbook by University Of Colorado instructor Rick Gardner examines introductory concepts of psychology from the basics of behavior through learning, sensory perception, memory, reason, social interaction and the treatments for psychological disorders. Provides a sound foundation for fledgling psychology students to gain a preliminary familiarity with this material so that they can move on to more advanced study in the field. Includes well-thought out chapter summaries and an invaluable glossary of key terms which speak specifically to how a student learns: by reading the text and then studying these chapter “briefings” young readers can go right to the core of the material.
Recommended because: Gardner’s text is well developed and expertly written. He writes in a fluid manner meant to allow the reader to digest information in “small” bites — there’s a lot to learn here, and it is easy to overwhelm undergraduate students and drive them away. However, Gardner has taken pains to write in a way that will interest most students and stimulate natural curiosity. Also, the chapters on problem solving, motivation and social interaction mark extremely important topics for all college age individuals and should help students better understand themselves. In the end, Gardner has presented a text that encourages its application in everyday scenarios, in turn motivating readers to analyze how they perceive themselves and their environments.
Recommended for all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Would be a sound choice as a text for Psychology 1A level courses.
Technology
COMPUTER AIDED PROCESS AND PRODUCT ENGINEERING (CAPE). In two volumes. Luis Puigjaner. Georges Heyen – Editors. John Wiley.
Synopsis: This text marks the definitive reference of “computer aided process engineering,” or CAPE. The tools inherent to this specialized area of technology/engineering have been successfully employed during the last decade as a means to enhance both process and product design. Corroborated by the latest research studies in the field, this new double-volume set from Wiley offers comprehensive analysis of advances that have been made pertaining to the industrial uses of CAPE. Topics of coverage include computer-aided modeling and stimulation; large-scale algebraic systems; Gradient Method; Newton’s Method; partial differential equations; molecular modeling for physical property prediction; modeling frameworks of complex separation systems; multiscale process modeling; process monitoring and data reconciliation; computer-aided process operation; and computer-aided process and product design (to cite random high-points).
Recommended because: This selection serves as a definitive summary of CAPE – a wide-reaching and in depth study of a process-control method likely to become the standard in myriad realms of industry. As we have said many times on these pages, a true reference must be able to provide a detailed analysis of its subject matter while also having long-term impact. The typical way a writer guarantees ‘long-term impact’ is by engaging his readers and stimulating a deeper awareness (and appreciation) of the discipline in which he works. Accordingly, Puigjaner and Heyen provide an authoritative exploration of CAPE, cutting through layer upon layer of data to reveal the core of a complex and ever-changing topic. What is best about this reference is revealed in the way it presents information in a perfectly organized format – a set of books meant to be used by engineers as a ‘hands-on’ resource (teaching readers that they must analyze ‘processes’ before they ever move into the ‘building phase’). Here, Puigjaner and Heyen have created a comprehensive reference-point that stresses a refinement of processes: The goal is not only to enhance production/profitability, but also to protect the environment and its myriad denizens. Simply, it will be decades before anyone comes close to achieving the brilliance of these volumes.
Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to researchers and engineers an in-office reference that will enhance all phases of the product-engineering process.
Publisher Spotlight: News From John Wiley
Wiley-Blackwell Forms Partnership with ISTE
Wiley-Blackwell, the scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly publishing arm of John Wiley & Sons has announced an agreement with ISTE Ltd. to become its exclusive co-publisher in the Americas and Asia, in addition to other territories worldwide.
Under the agreement, which goes into effect in January 2008, Wiley-Blackwell and ISTE (the English language division of Hermes Science & Lavoisier), will co-publish approximately 60 books each year in the fields of electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering; information and communication technology; numerical methods; materials science; digital signal and image processing; and networks.
In January 2008, thirty-four new books will be available; in addition to completely new titles, the publishing agreement includes updated and expanded English-language versions of highly-regarded books originally published in the French language.
Wiley-Blackwell will also be distributing select backlist titles, including “Structural Health Monitoring,” “Free-Space Optics,” “Particle Swarm Optimization,” “Protection of Electrical Networks,” “Graphs and Networks,” “Robot Manipulators,” “Organic Materials in Civil Engineering,” “Fundamentals of Instrumentation and Measurement,” and “Multimedia Multicast on the Internet.”
“We are excited to be working with a family-run business whose consistent quality and focus complements our own publishing strengths and strategy,” said Michael Forster, Vice President and Associate Publishing Director of Wiley-Blackwell’s Physical Sciences list.
Sami Menasce, Chairman and Managing Director of ISTE echoed Forster’s sentiments:
“By partnering with Wiley-Blackwell, ISTE will be better able to attain its objective of producing innovative titles that will reach a wider audience of academics, researchers, and industrial engineers,” Menasce said, looking forward to this unique collaboration by these publishing pioneers.
In terms of organization, Wiley-Blackwell will be responsible for all sales activities for these jointly branded titles in its territories, including marketing and distribution. Wiley-Blackwell will also manage eBook and online sales of the titles via the Wiley InterScience platform.
by John Aiello
Recent Wiley Awards
John Wiley & Sons announced today that it has launched the IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the official journal of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan (IEEJ). The launch memorializes a new agreement between Wiley and IEEJ to publish the flagship journal both in print and on-line via Wiley’s InterScience imprint (www.interscience.wiley.com).
IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes six times each year, containing original research papers and review articles on the latest and most vital technological advances in core areas of electrical and electronic engineering (and related disciplines). IEEJ also publishes short communications reporting on the results of the latest findings from researchers in Japan and around the world.
As an official journal of IEEJ, IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering will provide reports on important conferences and meetings sponsored by the Institute, in turn offering a comprehensive reference for electrical engineers at all points of the globe.
For more information, go to www.interscience.wiley.com/TEEE.
Three Wiley Authors Jointly Awarded the Nobel Prize In Chemistry
On October 5, 2005, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced Robert H. Grubbs, Richard R. Schrock, and Yves Chauvin the joint winners of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis. As a result of the scientists’ work in refining this new method, many syntheses and industrial processes (particularly in the areas of drugs and plastics) have resulted in ground-breaking changes in Chemistry research.
Readers will note that John Wiley & Sons has published the work of each of these scientists in both book and journal form. Specifically, Grubbs is the editor of Handbook of Metathesis (Wiley-VCH, 2003), and a contributor to Ruthenium in Organic Synthesis (Wiley-VCH, 2004). A review of Schrock’s work can be found in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2003, Volume 42, Issue 38), while Chauvin’s landmark publication regarding the mechanism of the reaction (which paved the way for both Grubbs and Schrock) appeared in Die Makromolekulare Chemie (1971, Volume 141, Issue 1). Chauvin is also a contributor to the handbook Multiphase Homogeneous Catalysis (Ed. Cornils et al., Wiley-VCH, 2005).
In addition, Grubbs serves as an Advisory Editor for Wiley’s Journal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry, a leading journal in polymer science that focuses on synthesis, reactions, modification and degradation of organic, inorganic and naturally occurring polymers (Schrock is a also member of the Editorial Board for this publication).
In other news, Grubbs and Schrock received the German Chemical Society’s prestigious August Wilhelm Von Hofmann Medal last month for their standard-setting work in the field.
For more information, go to wiley.com.
by John Aiello
Wiley Author Awarded 2005 Abel Prize
John Wiley & Sons has just announced that Dr. Peter D. Lax, author of two Wiley titles, has been awarded the 2005 Abel Prize by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
The Abel Prize, known as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics,” is awarded annually by the King of Norway to outstanding mathematicians. Dr. Lax was awarded the prize in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to the theory and application of partial differential equations and to the computation of their solutions.
In presenting Dr. Lax this honor (which includes $980,000), the Academy said that he “has had a profound influence [on academics], not only by his research, but also by his writing, his lifelong commitment to education and his generosity to younger
mathematicians.”
The author of “Functional Analysis” and “Linear Algebra,” Dr. Lax is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at New York University (NYU). He has also served as Director of the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU, Director of the Atomic Energy Commission’s Computing and Applied Math Center at NYU, and President of the American Mathematical Society. Professor Lax was also awarded the National Medal of Science in 1986, which was presented to him by President Ronald Reagan at a White House ceremony. Other awards include the Wolf Prize in 1987 and the Chauvenet Prize in 1974, and a co-share of the American Mathematical Society’s Steel Prize in 1992.
by John Aiello
John Wiley & Sons
Wiley is a global publisher of print and electronic products, with a specific specialty in the publication of scientific, technical, and medical books/journals. In addition, Wiley also publishes an extensive list of professional and consumer books and subscription services, as well as textbooks and supporting educational materials for both undergraduate and graduate students (as well as life-long learners).
Wiley has approximately 22,700 active titles and roughly 400 journals available, while publishing about 2000 new titles in a variety of print and electronic formats each year.
With about 3,500 employees worldwide, Wiley maintains operations in the United States, Europe (England, Germany and Russia), as well as Canada, Asia, and Australia. The Company has U.S. publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in New Jersey, California, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, with its worldwide headquarters located in Hoboken, New Jersey, just across the river from Manhattan
Wiley was founded in 1807, during the Jefferson presidency. In its early years, the company was best known for bringing the works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allan Poe, Herman Melville, and other 19th century American literary giants to the public. However, by the turn of the century, Wiley had reinvented itself again and added to its catalog in a significant way, establishing itself as a leading publisher of scientific and technical information – some of one of the most comprehensive, erudite and varied books to be found in the field.
Today, the company continues to provide “must-have” content to various communities across the world. Wiley’s deep reservoir of quality books, constantly replenished, offers a tremendous resource: Advancements in technology have made this material more accessible to customers worldwide – the publisher adding to its value by delivering it in interactive and/or fully searchable formats.
Presently, nearly 25% of Wiley’s global revenues are Web-enabled, and it expects to increase that figure to around 40% within the next three years. In this regard, nearly two centuries after it was founded, Wiley continues to set the pace for the industry.
We Recommend
In addition to the wonder of “instant” information, the internet has created a breeding ground for old-fashioned rip-off artists, what the maverick novelist William S. Burroughs might have called “quick cons on the loose.” In retrospect, this situation developed because the sheer vastness of the online world allows unscrupulous and questionable behavior to go unchecked . Simply, without some form of business savvy and computer sophistication, you become a prime candidate for getting screwed by the vultures who circle the web.
However, things are not totally bleak, and hope still remains for finding companies that actually honor their word and advertising. One such example isMecca Hosting. Mecca stands out for myriad reasons, as its courteous staff and affordable pricing immediately set it apart from much of the competition out there. Reasonable prices, and a staff that goes out if its way to save you time and allay anxiety. Quite an odd combination in this era of fast talkers and money-grabbers.
I strongly encourage you to check out Mecca Hosting. The prices and the services (especially the web edit program that allows you to easily maintain your own web pages) are well-suited to artists or small businesses on a shoe-string budget.
by John Aiello
NETWORKING IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM: Dabble.com
In June 2006, the internet welcomed a new resource on board that is sure to foster excitement among web-users who ‘dabble’ in the magic of electronic video.
Dabble.com is the creation of Berkeley, California’s Mary Hodder, and it marks the first comprehensive catalog of online videos that have been made by actual web-users. Here, Hodder has built a place on the net where amateur videographers can gather to share their mini-films and then search through archived video clips on image-based sites like YouTube, MySpace, Revver, and Blip.TV – this one-stop-shop allowing aspiring filmmakers from around the globe to congregate and share their work.
At present, 84 million Americans now have broadband in their homes, and this advancement in technology has conjured a deep interest in ways to further the possibilities for internet communication, in turn inspiring the birth of countless video sites on the outskirts of cyberspace.
However, the influx of these sites have created an excess of information and caused a data-overload for net-users. Simply, how can anyone expect to navigate through millions of videos on hundreds of different hosting sites and then separate the good videos from the bad?
Enter Dabble.com.
Hodder’s site provides the answer to this question in a sharp and inventive way, linking creative eyes from around the world in an invisible chain that supersedes language and culture differences, suddenly reconnecting people via the universal lenses of their cameras.
Doc Searls, senior editor of Linux Journal and an advisor to Hodder’s operation, noted that Dabble’s interface represents “the shortest distance between the most production and the most consumption” of online video clips. “I think of Dabble as ‘Everybody’sTube,’” Searls remarked, touching on the exact reason Dabble is such an important addition to the world-wide web.
In a short time, Hodder has compiled an amazing amount of material. Presently, Dabble contains over 300,000 videos, including 100,000 entries from theInternet Archive’s Moving Pictures Database. Basically, Dabble collects metadata detailing the location, authoring, licensing information, and user-generated tags associated with hundreds of thousands of short video clips that have been created, presenting subscribers with ready access to a virtual online film library.
“Besides information about the video itself like the title or where it’s hosted, we have information about who made it, who’s in it, tags from outside Dabble as well as our users, and who’s watching and collecting it into playlists,” says Hodder, who founded the site in 2005. “In addition to serving as a meeting place for video-makers from around the world, Dabble also helps to expose the value of media. We’re like a new kind of guide for the new TV: web video.”
Users visiting Dabble will see a search box allowing them to do a simple keyword search for online video clips. Their results, including both amateur and professional video, will be pulled from hosting sites all over the web. Users can then begin to catalog their favorite web videos, adding new videos to their collection at will as they surf other websites.
In addition to circulating video content, Dabble also serves as a social-network 21st century-style, this meeting place that sets the stage for subscribers to see what other people with similar tastes are watching, offering filmmakers the chance to assess changing trends in production, sound-mixing and editing.
Through Dabble, Hodder has given videographers a place to come together on an interactive platform to exchange creative ideas, sewing together the best aspects of the internet in a way that breaks down barriers and naturally stimulates the dissemination of art for the simple joy of it – no preconceived ideas, no fear of judgment.
Like those maverick poets and novelists and photographers who founded the Beat Generation a half century ago, Dabble.com is about building roads that intersect the human psyche – and then extend, one mind to the next. From this vantage point, the possibilities indeed seem endless.
For more information, go to dabble.com.
by John Aiello
Electric Review 