This book represents a very useful supplement to the iconic editions of Scott-Brown's Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the standard textbook for UK practice for over 70 years. At under 1.5 kg, it certainly proves far more portable than the 14 kg three-volume boxed set that I struggled to carry some years ago. In my review for this journal, I did express concerns that the sheer weight of the volumes would challenge the spine and binding process, but I never did get the chance to judge that. I donated the box and its contents to our post-graduate library, where it was duly placed on a table next to many an aged and withdrawn textbook, destined for collection and donation to libraries in developing nations. The rest you can guess. We think it went to Africa and I hope someone is benefitting from it.
The authors of this new version are largely UK-based, providing 110 chapters in nearly 600 pages. My paperback offered a very thorough index (so often lacking in such texts), excellent colour illustrations, and photographs and superb reproduction of monochrome imaging. The introductory Acknowledgements I found interesting, as they refer the contents of each chapter to the parent eighth edition, but also show how fresh authorship has introduced new content throughout. This is much more then than just a ‘mini Scott-Brown’, as, to quote every single chapter, each ‘contains some material from Volume…’ etc. This book is designed for reference and browsing, rather than reading cover to cover (for which the original is ideal). The annotated format, use of bullet points, algorithms, tables and key points all make this invaluable for trainees facing higher surgical examinations, and it does represent remarkable value.
There is a very useful website (www.scottbrownent.com) that offers a download of the chapter titles and authorship (not to mention several sample chapters from the eighth edition). A glance at the range of topics covered will show just how comprehensive the content is, and this proves ‘essential’ in every sense of the word.
