Education Books

If you like to travel and love history then you will greatly appreciate this excellent resource. This book provides information on the best Living History destinations in the United States from prehistory to the early 1840s. Instead of organizing the locations by particular area of the United States the authors have chosen to organize them by significant historical groupings. Examples of these groupings include a section on America's native peoples, one on religious and secular groups, one on the road to independence, and one on opening the West.

Most destinations have between a half page and a full-page description of the location, its historical significance, and interesting facts about the location or a related history. The book is filled with excellent color photographs that give the reader a solid feel for what to expect. This is one of the most invaluable resources I have ever found for planning a trip focused on American history and the historical significance of various areas of the United States. Americans Living History is very highly recommended.

Say the words "road trip" and "history" and I get excited. Suzanne & Craig Sheumaker have written a wonderful guide book for people who love living history sites and museums. I've been to most of the places described in Virginia and I can say that they got their descriptions absolutely correct.

I especially liked the photos. Most guide books have no pictures or annoy me with dinky little artsy drawings. When I'm in a car looking for something I don't want a drawing.

The Sheumakers seem to really love what they do and their enthusiasm comes though in each chapter. I've always scorned the Jamestown Settlement and prefered to head to the real Jamestown down the road but after reading the Sheumakers section on it I think I'll give it a try.

I particularly enjoyed the way that they split the book up. If you are interested in sites from the Spanish colonization years or the French or of course the English you can find chapters that deal just with that particular period. If you want to understand more about Indian life they have an exceptionally good section of sites dedicated to America's earliest settlers. Be sure to check out the Cherokee villiage in North Carolina. The book also talks about the Catholics, the Jews, Amish, Moravian, Shakers, Quakers and Mormons who came to America and the living history sites they left behind.

If the Revolutionary period is what interests you most they have a chapter on sites to visit. If the sites of the new nation are your thing then they have a chapter for you. This is really a delightful book and is such a good travel companion I'd say that the best thing to do is to buy two copies. One for the coffee table and one to keep in the car. I hope this is the begining of a new series.

What can you expect from America's Living History-The Early Years? Definitely not just another "coffee table" book! The stunning photographs may catch your eye, but you'll want to pick up this book and use it.

Have you ever wanted to visit the historic Jamestown site in Virginia? You can view hundreds of artifacts discovered from the first permanent settlement there.

Do you remember the story about Washington crossing an icy river to attack British forces? Been to the place it happened? Did you know that every year on Christmas Day, hundreds of re-enactors cross the river to commemorate this Revolutionary War triumph?

Know where you can find incredible Native American petroglyphs? Sites in New Mexico and Nevada are mentioned in this book.

Readers will find the answers to innumerable questions about early American life in this book. Whether readers are interested in a day trip close to home or going cross-country, this is a great resource.

From the plains to the coast, Alaska to Hawaii, nearly every state is represented in this guide. With three hundred destinations featured, a history buff or interested traveler couldn't ask for more.

The authors have done a great job with tasteful and applicable photographs. They accent pages filled not just with contact information (although it's there for your reference) but with interesting facts, too. The book is separated into categories, including: America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Road to Independence, and more. It also features destinations lists by region, to help you plan adventures if you are on a trip.

The authors have obviously done their homework and it shows in this wonderful resource.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

We are history buffs at home--both of us grew up in historic areas. Trips to Gettysburg, Independence Hall, The Old North Church and Washington, DC were in our childhood experiences. You could hardly take a daytrip without seeing some of America's oldest treasures. So we as children enjoyed historical sites and we still stop for historical markers as a habit when we are out touring any area.


For people with similar tastes or who have children to educate, this is a wonderful resource. Some of the well-known and lesser known historical sites all over the US that date from the early years are laid out in a travel guide format.


The book is organized by popular sites, subjects like religious movements, colonization, the Western movement, and the Revolutionary War and the times leading up to this watershed event. Each historical site has photographs, address and phone number and a synopsis of what is available for touring. The geographical maps show towns or cities of interest. The only thing missing would be day trip routes in some of the more densely-historical areas (Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey.)



But there are also timelines and write-ups of the history of the times (the Shakers, the Mormons, the battles of the Revolution and War of 1812, and the early contact with Native Americans.) So the book is not just a "what to see" but has important background and a good if brief overview of early American history.

After I read this book, I immediately wanted to go see at least a half a dozen sites I had not visited that are not really very far from my, and added a list of places I want to see next time I'm out West.


This is a very pretty book and one that home schoolers would find absolutely a treasure. My parents took us on endless daytrips on weekends and these are some of my fondest memories of childhood. If you have kids and an automobile, I'd put this book on the "must-have" list because you can build some excellent memories and give your kids a fine sense of where we came from as a nation. Big thumbs-up and I eagerly await more in this series.

Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker have created an incredible resource for people looking to vacation in the United States in places where history lives. They profile 300 living history sites in the United States that cover American history from the time when Native Americans had empires and confederations to the 1840's. The Sheumakers provide excellent cross-references to aid people planning a living history vacation. However, this book is more than just a guide for people looking for an excellent place to vacation; this book is also a wonderful history book with factual tidbits sprinkled throughout.

The beginning of this book provides maps of the profiled locations. These maps also divide the sites into categories described later in the book (more on that in a moment). Thus, if your focus is on European colonization and you are interested in traveling to the mid-Atlantic or the South, you will be able to quickly find the sites that are focused on this aspect of history.

The Sheumakers organized this book into six historical categories; America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Religious & Secular Groups, Road to Independence, Our New Nation, and Opening the West. Each section is color coded to more easily locate them on the previously described maps. Even better, each section has dozens of photographs, typically one per site, along with location information, fee information, and, perhaps best of all, the best available web site for the location. In addition, the Sheumakers sometimes recommend the best time of year to see special events and they typically provide information regarding the historical significance of the site.

I have checked several of the sites recommended by the Sheumakers to see how accurate their information is. Consider Cahokia Mounds, in Illinois, described on page 38 of this book. There are two photographs. One photograph is of the largest mound on the site. The other is a photograph of a walk-through diorama available at the interpretive center. The Sheumakers include several pieces of information about the history of the site and its significance (a small portion of what you can learn at the site). Their information regarding the location of Cahokia Mounds matches the direction provided on the highways east of St. Louis, Missouri. The fee information is also correct (free), though the interpretive center suggests a $1 donation per person. The only flaw I found in the Sheumaker's description of this site is that they neglected to mention the miles of walking trails on the site.

Other sites contain similar accuracy. I looked at Spring Mill Pioneer Village in Indiana, which is a wonderful place to visit (though sometimes it gets very busy). Historic St. Charles, Missouri is yet another wonderful place to visit, if you can avoid the distraction of the gigantic casino that is nearby. Ft. Osage in Sibley, Missouri, has been a popular destination for the nearby residents of Kansas City, Missouri, for decades.

If there is a flaw in this book, it is that space limited the Sheumakers to only 300 destinations. There are many more living history places in the United States. However, the Sheumakers certainly picked many of the very best places from the era before the 1840's. Perhaps if this book is successful, they can write a follow-up book titled "More of America's Living History."

This book is a phenomenal resource for people planning a vacation or seeking a starting point for a history paper. Teachers and other educators may wish to explore one of the living history sites near your school. You may just want to take a day trip to one of these sites. All of them are worth at least a day trip and some of them require days to fully explore.

Traveler's guides seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days. Everyone is competing for shelf space and your attention. The Sheumakers have a unique approach, eschewing typical tourist attractions for those that focus on our (United States) history. It would be a mistake to call these sites tourist attractions, because many of them contain on-going historical research. For example, excavations continue at Cahokia Mounds. Regardless of your need, this beautiful, full-color book is a wonderful as a resource, a coffee-table book, or even just to read - I started it and could not put it down. Whatever your need or goal, if you appreciate the history of the United States and you are seeking an opportunity to immerse yourself further in that history, you need this book.

This review is based on a copy of the book provided to me by the authors.

Enjoy!

I felt it had some very good ideas. It's a short read and to the point.

This is tops in my book. I am purchasing one for each of my child's teachers. Boy did i learn a lot!

I have struggled since Kindergarten to find a book that teachers at my son's school would actually read and this is it. I bought it after printing pages from the internet for his teacher so that she would understand his needs better. He is mainstreamed but has difficulty with authority. She has done wonders in just the first month of school. She is willing to learn and accepted the book without hesitation and has actually shared it with other teachers and duties in the school. The book is well written - very easy read and doesn't take up the precious time of teachers, it is informative and well explained. I highly recommend this book to anyone even supporting staff at schools especially elementary schools.

I was very impressed with the straight forward and direct approach of this book. I read this book in less than an hour and picked up some good tips. Before I found this book, I was trying to search the internet for info to print off for his teacher. I was having a hard time finding a site that described AS, it's symptoms, what to expect, and how to help. This book covers it all, plus has tips of things to add to the IEP. Since no one in our school district has ever dealt with AS before, this book will be a big help. I bought a copy for my son's teacher, and am trying to get the school to buy copies of their own.

I love this book because it's short enough that the teachers will actually read it, and practical enough that they will actually use it. We have given a copy of the book to each of my son's teachers every year - it is a critical part of laying the foundation for good communication for the school year, and for helping the teachers see and understand his behavior in the right context. I would highly recommend this book!

And she wants to "play" with it all the time. While we're driving in the car or at home, my little one loves to go over the game. A definite home run for us!

My kids are just over four, they love this item. I'd say about 80% of the questions are ones they can answer at this age so I would not recommend it for a child who is closer to 5 unless they have some delays. Some of the questions are typical of intelligence tests where they question experience rather than ability. For instance, we live in a warm climate and my kids don't really recognize a lot of winter items.

The exercises and questions on these cards work much better than some of the workbooks I have purchased, even though they are aiming at the exact same goal (like seeing patterns).

I love Brain Quest and so does my daughter! Parents spend the money, it is worth it! Two thumbs up, WAY UP!!!
Caring Mom on the Coast

We have these now for lots of age groups and they continue to be a 'hit' with our kids. It's a nice alternative to a 2nd book or addition to reading with your kids. In our house it's considered "Dad's" thing to do at weekends.

Need something to entertain your child at a drs appts or waiting for dinner to be served while dining out. This is the product for u!!

Dr. Hallowell is an amazing fellow. He strikes the perfect balance between being a knowledgeable psychiatrist and a vulnerable, loving and warm father. Whether you are an educator or a parent, you will learn much, reminiscence and have a chance to be a better person after reading this book. The Childhood Roots gives you good laughs and concrete tips to enjoy children and strengthen the foundation for life. Better yet, it gives you a map and the needed information to know whether you're still on the road or lost in your way. If there is one book to read when becoming a parent and realizing what your job is, this is it.

The warm and compassionate qualities of the author shine through this comprehensive and well-written book. Perhaps somewhat more detailed and extensive than many readers would want, in which case people should skip ahead. But there's plenty of superb content here. You can't help thinking what a wonderful father Hallowell must be as you read his personal stories and anecdotes.

I just had to agree with previous postings that this is the only book you need to read to get the fundamentals of what parenting should be about. It is practical yet roomy enough to fit many different ideals of family and home. I'm now ordering another copy!

Very easy to read, with lots of relevant, usable information. It reminds you what it is like to be a kid and how we should all learn to just simply play again.

I haven't read the book, so I'll use a 5-star review like everyone else just to not slant the outcome. But I wonder what he says about video games. They are a form of play but in my mind don't enforce a human connection. And I've been hearing stories lately (on NPR etc.) about people who can't get their adult kids to be productive members of society because they just want to play video games.

I purchased this book off of a recommendation from a friend who said that everything that you need to know for the AP test is in this book. He was right. I first read the information provided about the test itself. I began to read through the five chapters of history in the book while supplementing my reading with my class notes. My teacher, though, ran out of time to teach us history from about 1980s and onward, so all of my knowledge about that era came from this book, which allowed me to answer those questions on the test. The book also has practice multiple choice and essay questions that I informally sampled; they were suprisingly similar to the real test. Overall, this book has enough information in it alone to guarantee a 4 on the test, and possibly even a 5, which is what I received.

I strongly suggests this book because it covers everything one needs to know for the AP European history test. Since the test itself is not that long. The book, though quiet short, covers everything one needs to know from 1450 to the present day. The book almost gives you a story for every era, from the age of Exploration, to the Renaissance and finally to the Industrial Ages and the Post-War modern era. If you love history, then this book will help you a lot. There are only a limited amount of things that you have to memorize, and if you are good at memorizing things, this book is the right source for you. The questions from the test are almost identical to the ones covered on the book in a way, if you read this book well enough, you should get at least a four on the test.

I was taking AP Euro as a Sophmore in the year 2005-2006. A friend from the previous year ('04-'05) got this book and passed the exam with a 4. She didn't do so good in the class as she got a C in both semesters. She gave me her used book as a gift. I got a B in both semesters and I can tell you that the course is tough stuff. I took I believe 2 practice tests before the actual AP Exam. And to tell you the truth, I got a 2 on both of the practice tests and was close to giving up for the actual test. But right on the night before the actual exam, I skimmed the book. I took the test on Friday (if I remeber correctly). I answered about 45/80 questions, and did pretty bad on my free-response questions (considering I wrote about submarine warfare on a question about WWII hahaha...). I left school after that day ashamed because I felt like I failed that test. However, today I just got my AP scores and to my surprise I got a 3!!! This books rocks like A lot!! Don't buy REA, i doubt I would read that book since it's too long. Princeton Review is the way to go because I got a 3!

I had a horrible AP Euro teacher, but I ended up getting a 4 with the help of this review book. It shouldn't be used as a substitute for the textbook, but I remember my textbook being the worst, and I used the older western heritage by Mckay. You can probably buy it on Amazon as well.


Another book that is probably just as amazing as princeton is "Modern European History" by Birdsall S. Viault. For some euro classes it's even required, and it's great for just reviewing before a test. If you read both these books, you will definitely have a good chance of passing the exam.

Princeton Review is a very good resource, especially for AP and (P)SAT preparation. This book has some great tips, especially with the DBQ and free-response essays. The review is excellent (though rather implicit-not too much EXplicit). This is why I STRONGLY encourage you to utilize the Cliffsnotes (excellent prep book as well, great features: timelines after every chapter, but poor review questions) books as well. Some information may be presented in this title a little better to suit your specific learning style. Nevertheless, the review questions after each chapter mimic the College Board's questions. Undoubtedly, the best feature of this book is the two AP exams in the back. I'm not sure if these exams are past College Board releases, but they are very similar. All in all, buy the Princeon Review for the review and practice exams, and buy the Cliffsnotes for its great review as well, timelines, and comprehensive layout.

I loved this book. It was exceptional. I thought it was funny and exciting, and had everything an Animorph book should. Tobias is one of my favorite characters, and Rachel IS my favorite. Both of these characters were in it a lot, and that was another plus. I loved the chapters when they told their families what they are and what they could do. Rachel's mom reacted so stupidly it was funny. My eyes were glued to the pages without exception for the two and half hours it took me to read it. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. A must-have addition to the Animorphs series!

This book is my FAVORITE Animorophs book and I've read most of them. The Yeerks begin to realize the "Andalite bandits" are really humans. (most of them) So with the Yeerks closing in The Animorphs and their families must evacuate to the Hork-Bajir valley. Jake parents are taken and made into Controllers and Tobias finds his long lost mother, Loren. This book is really great.

I love books about Tobais and this is his best book yet. The Yeearks are starting to realize that the so called analite bandits are humans and are collecting the animorph's blood to see if there is a family match. Guess whose match they find; Tobais's mother. Tobais's mother is blind and has amensia. Tobais morphs his mother's guide dog and gets her to safety.

I think this book is one of the best Tobias books, but it seems so abrupt when he meets his mother. It's almost like Tobias says, "Hi, I'm your son." Then it's as if his mother says, "Oh. Okay then. I knew that." I don't really like that part. Otherwise, it's pretty good. There are good Rachel and Tobias parts, an appropriate amount of action, and a great deal of emotion.

Yep,that right.The Yeerks are finally begining to think that maybe the 'Andalite Bandits' aren't Andalites at all,maybe they're human.So they have figure out how to tesst them, DNA.Because every time when the Animorphs are in battle, they lose some blood.So if the Yeerks test it they will find DNA strands of every animal the have acquired,and their actual human DNA.They will know who they are, infact the Yeerk computer has already found a match.The Animorphs try to break in and destroy the computer,but they're stopped.But before they leave they see the one match on the computer,its somebody by the name of Loren, Tobias' mother......Tobias is shocked,everyone has always told him his mother is dead,He has to see her and he wants to save her,Jake doesn't really like that idea,He thinks she could be a Yeerk.So Tobias,Marco and Ax will watch her house for 3 days,and if she doesn't go to the Yeerk pool during that time they will know if she safe,but by then so will the Yeerks....But the computer is still going,and soon the other Animorphs' family members will turn up as matches too........

This is definatley one of the best,and one of my favorites!!!!!I loved the story, its a classic Animorph book...This one,like most Animorphs,really get you into the story,you feel like your really morphing,really in the battle,and really feeling the emoitions and thinking the thoughts....I strongly recomend this book,it Incredible!!!!!!!!

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

As I scrambled to meet the direction of my CEO to get our disaster plan updated in order to deal with the pressing threat of terrorism it was recommended to get this text by a peer. After reading this book, I can say without a doubt, that it is one of finest disaster works I have ever been exposed. It has taken complex issues and presented them in a real world method that makes comprehension and application quite easy. Frankly this is a must have reference for emergency service and management personnel in public and private sectors. Outstanding work!

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

Outstanding work that takes you through a logical and sequential path concerning the application of Incident Command for EMS/Ambulance/Rescue operations.

Without a doubt the best text on the subject that I am aware of. Great reference and operational manual.

Well written and informative. Good review of incident management system. The information provided regarding disaster medicine is from the EMS response point of view and is useful for Emergency Physicians and Disaster researchers from the point of view of understanding EMS response in disasters. This book should be part of the overall collection of any physician working in area of Disaster Medicine.

This book is excellent guidance on how to communcate effectively with your son, yet also applicable to other family members. John's brillantly grounded approach works. He provides tools to break the cycle of frustrating circular arguments and reoccuring confrontations, which quite frankly, works with anyone. I've circulated the book amongst friends here in England, France and the States and the feedback has been the same, "can I keep this copy for future reference?".

I was hooked right away reading John's descriptions of boys who were so similar to our son. I was so encouraged that someone could see our problems and provide a reasonable plan to help us reconnect.

John identifies 6 ways that we parents repel our sons - Reacting, Micromanaging, Lecturing, Moralizing, Reiterating and Threatening - and then outlines what to do instead.

He provides a couple of invaluable tools: 1. Speaking to your son in a 90 second window, and 2. Using shoulder-to-shoulder communication. Both of these tools maintain connection and avoid your son's withdrawal.

John says at the end of every chapter, "And then the chase is on." It's chokes me up each time I read it and realize that all of the time, effort and resources spent are all worth it for the sake of my son.

Miraculously John Davis came into our lives during our son's and our family's power struggles in high school.
We learned and grew because of John's strength, wisdom and love. We are forever grateful and recommend ANYONE who knows a teenage boy to read this book and follow it.
There you will find your heart and your son can be the man he strives to be...noble, tender, worthy.
Mandy Vogel
Baltimore, MD.

As a single mother of a teenage boy, I was deeply moved by the empowerment of this incredible book. Author John Davis reveals the struggles and adversity his young clients have faced and the victory each of them have worked so hard to achieve! His vision and dedication to working with young men is inspiring. This book provides essential tools for every parent dedicated to developing the character of their sons (even daughters!) as well as guiding you through the process of overcoming the "very real" challenges our sons face in today's society (drugs, alcohol, sex, anger, peer pressure). John Davis is an authentic writer ~ his book is poignant, emotional, uplifting, raw, and very direct in teaching parents what to look for when there is a breakdown, either physically, emotionally or in communicating with your son. After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding in knowing how to "reach" the heart of my son and the best way to respond when challenges arise! John Davis has given all of us an incredible resource!! I have no doubt "Extreme Pursuit: Winning the Race for the Heart of Your Son" will be the marker in which all other parenting / relational books will be compared!

I'm a 23 year old student at Seattle Pacific University, I'm healthy, active, emotionally intelligent, and I have a wonderful relationship with my parents. I'm not bragging, I promise, it's just that I didn't always have these skills. This is a sincere thanks to John Davis for being a key player in my life when I was at vulnerable ages and places. You see, I'm a graduate of John's 2Xtreme counseling program. What this means is that much of who I am and many of the skills I've acquired, came directly from my relationship with John Davis. When I was struggling with finding healthy ways to connect with my family as a teenager, John and I were hammering out concrete ways for me to talk with my mom and dad. When I started making bad decisions in high school, John and I went to work on those issues. I was blessed with a friend who walked through the pain with me, and mentored me back to a place where I could start making positive changes in my life. This is the most concise testimony I can make about John's work. There's so much more that is needed to do the man justice, so here's my email address: aldrin@spu.edu I feel so strongly about furthering the message of John's work that I will gladly return questions from parents.
While reading Extreme Pursuit I was taken back to the office where we used to do our sessions. I was taken back to the literal cliffs that we rappelled from together. I was taken back to the Andes that John and I actually climbed together in the summer of 2003. I was taken back to the times when John and I had nothing else to say, so we just cried instead. And I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm also not ashamed to say that when I saw my name in John's book, I was giddy like a school girl. I'm seriously passionate about this message because it's a manual full of tools and advice that literally changed my life, and in no small measure. Know that this book is not a quick fix for you and your son. It never is with kids like us. This is an opportunity for you parents to crawl down into the adventurous and sometimes painful adolescent years that are so poignant in a boy's life. Trust me, your son wants to be your friend. He wants to make you proud of the young man he's becoming. The wealth of knowledge I find in Extreme Pursuit can help foster the relationships that are most important to you, and to your son.

Great intro to the concept of home education with a heavy emphasis on the Charlotte Mason method. I re-read this little treasure regularly to keep myself on track. Loving books as much as I do tempts me to compile quite a list of Books We Must Have for School. The CM way of thinking ensures I stick only with the best, the essentials. I highly recommend it!

I first read this book because it was written by Susan, one of Francis and Edith Schaeffer's daughters. Little did I know that it would become the foundational book to becoming a homeschool parent when I decided to take my youngest child out of the public schools.

One doesn't need to be homeschooling their children to appreciate this book. Susan writes in the same warm and friendly way as her mother. However, if one is homeschooling and using the Charlotte Mason "method", this book is an essential volume to have in your library.

If you're a Charlotte Mason fan, you can't pass this one up. It is my favorite book on Charlotte Mason & is full of wonderful parenting advice. Really, all parents are teachers, not just homeschooling parents. This book offers great insight for all who spend time caring for children.

As one preparing to homeschool, this book was this kind of thing that has been spurring me on to ponder, philosophize and dream about both the general approach I will take, and the beginnings of many specific ideas.

For those who are disenchanted with the high pressure standardized-testing mentality prevalent in classrooms today, this book explains the educational philosphy of Charlotte Mason. It is God-focused (Susan is the daughter of Christian apologtic Francis Shaeffer), natural, and relaxed. It is a must-read for any classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or school administrator.

that's new edition (39ª) is diferent of the 37ª. in this new edition the anatomy is broached in chapters of topografical anatomy and not sistemic anatomy. Topografical anatomy is most interesting for a medicine.

The 39th edition of Gray's Anatomy covers all aspects of human anatomy as well as integrating a comprehensive amount of additional information including histology, embryology, physiology, and pathology. Put together by renowned scientists and clinicians, this iconic book is a must for any medical student. This book is IT!

i bought a used copy and its such a big book that its spine does take a beating and its worth getting it new and with the dvd and the subscription. if your gonna use all the resources its so worth it, but the book is well laid out and easy to use, the pictures are well done and the text is well easily scanable for fast reading

This is an AMAZING book to say the least. I have to say, that this book is not for someone who is just starting in the medical field, as it is written in complex medical terminology. However, if you are in the medical field, than this book is a great reference. Every section of the body is broken down to the most minute detail. And the illustrations/pictures are absolutely amazing; they make learning anatomy fun and a little easier. I have to give kudos to all the authors and illustrators of this text... well done! It's also good to do exercises with ;)

Totally distinct from earlier editions is the radically different organization of this classical textbook: the human body is no longer described as containing different systems - the skeleton, the vascular system, the nervous system,...- but the body is now divided in regions. The reason for this radical change, chief editor Susan Standring (King's College, London) explains, is that in the real world, practising clinicians in their daily practice use a regional approach, rather than a systemic view. Therefore, it is understood that the new, 39th Edition of Gray's Anatomy is more adapted to the needs of surgeons, radiologists and other clinicians, than to medical students or scientists interested in the area of human anatomy. However, there is some consideration of the editors for a section `systemic overview'. So, the endocrine system, the blood (haematopoietic) and immune system are not entirely overlooked.

In particular, when regarding the master gland of the endocrine system, namely the pituitary, readers should know that this organ may be found in the `region' of the diencephalon (Section 2.1.). So, neuroanatomists may rejoice that they finally regained control over the capital region of the human body, and over all body functions regulated by this region. Unfortunately, unlike the 38th Edition, the editor of this section has decided to relapse into a terminology that was already obsolete 15 years ago. `Chromophobic' cells belong to the dark ages when new imaging techniques were still looming for their curious but ignorant discoverers. Bibliographic references are reduced to a baseline level. This would result in insufficient source material for research purposes, but, on the other hand, the references are concise enough for users that may feel comfortable with a general slowing down of scientific progress.

However, many, many advantages of the newly revised topics may be found in this 39th Edition. For those interested in the anatomy of the pelvic floor, the inner ear, or the organization of the peritoneum, Gray's Anatomy will meet their expectations. Also shortcuts to topics like assisted fertilization, preimplantation embryology are included, although it never has been easy being both at the cutting edge and also a textbook that bridges the generation gaps. Therefore, together with many, I will be looking forward to the 40th Edition.

Wilfried ALLAERTS
Biological Publishing A&O
The Netherlands