What do you do when your find a patient with an unusual condition on your operating list or, worse, you are telephoned at night for advice about a complex medical problem? The Anaesthesia Databook by Rosemary Mason is aimed at the experienced anaesthetist facing just such a problem. This clear, concise and consistent text would provide enough information to greatly assist emergency management, while each topic is supported by a list of useful and up-to-date references if time permits more extensive preparation. This material would also provide a good starting point when preparing a lecture or seminar. With the increasing importance placed on CME and maintaining 'core skills' at dealing with unusual emergencies, this book could have a whole new purpose. Although primarily aimed at the more experienced anaesthetist, the book would undoubtedly have a place in the examination revision as well.' This is the third edition of a deservedly highly successful textbook. Reviews of the first two editions have been excellent and this third edition will, I am sure, meet with similar adulation and success. However, it is a shame that those unfamiliar with the previous editions would not immediately be aware from the title what the book was about and the wealth of material within. Essentially the book is designed for experienced anaesthetists and is in two sections. Section 1 covers 520 pages and is entitled Medical Disorders and Anaesthetic Problems. It is in the form of alphabetically ordered mini reviews of mostly unusual medical conditions and their anaesthetic implications. Section 2, which is much shorter and I feel less successful, covers 69 pages and deals with emergencies under anaesthesia such as Addisonian crisis, Latex allergy and TURP syndrome. A minor defect is the total absence of illustrations, diagrams or tables. This leads to a rather austere impression of what is a very readable book. Diagrams could have also greatly improved understanding of some of the more complex conditions. However, on most occasions, the book will be used for reference to a particular condition and not for a 'cover to cover' read.
