General Pathology covers the study of pathological or disease processes in general with particular reference to morphological changes. The book is designed for second- and third-year pathology students in the medical and paramedical fields. Topics covered include cell injury, death and necrosis, pigmentation, calcification, haemorrhage, shock and oedema.

The books Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 and 2 provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the state-of-the-art molecular biological diagnostic strategies that are being used in a wide variety of disciplines. The editors and experts in their respective fields have combined their knowledge to write these two books. Many years of experience in the development, application and quality control of molecular diagnostic methods is reflected herewith. Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 is dedicated to the theoretical backgrounds of the technologies often applied in molecular diagnostics, in which nucleic acid amplification methods (such as real-time PCR), sequencing and bioinformatics are the basic tools. The assay design and -development, combined with items of trouble-shooting are described in detail. As a foundation of reliable molecular diagnostic assays, the quality control required for validation, implementation and performance of molecular diagnostic assays is thoroughly discussed. This book also provides extensive information for those working with molecular techniques in a wide variety of research applications using conventional and real-time PCR technology, Sanger and high throughput sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics. Molecular Diagnostics Part 2 highlights the applications of the molecular diagnostic methods in the various diagnostic laboratories, comprising: - Clinical microbiology - Clinical chemistry - Clinical genetics - Clinical pathology - Molecular hematopathology - Veterinary health - Plant health - Food safety Both full-colour and well-illustrated books are particularly valuable for students, clinicians, scientists and other professionals who are interested in (designing) molecular diagnostic methods and for those who wish to broaden their knowledge on the current molecular biological revolution. The information in the books highlights the trend of the integration of multiple (clinical) disciplines into one universal molecular laboratory.

The complement system is a group of proteins which plays a major role in the processing and removal of microorganisms and tissue breakdown products from the circulation and extracellular spaces. The system is activated by a wide range of targets, and activation leads to the production of opsonins, chemotaxis of granulocytes, cell lysis and other biological activities. Inappropriate overactivation of the system contributes to inflammatory tissue damage in the host, while inadequate activation leads to accumulation of immune complexes and other debris in the circulation, and susceptibility to infection. The biology and biochemistry of the system is now adequately understood, and attempts can be made to manipulate the activation and activities of the system for potential therapeutic purposes. The reviews in this volume summarise what is known of the ways in which the complement system can be activated, by interaction with antibodies, microorganisms, cell debris, and complex carbohydrates and how the activities and activation of the system have been modified, accidentally or by design, in vitro or in vivo by drugs, venoms, particulate carbohydrates, specific antibodies, synthetic peptides and other reagents.

Darwinian medicine looks at the ecological and evolutionary roots of disease. A disease is an interaction between a genome and its biotic or abiotic environment and therefore a disease is essentially an ecological process. Good understanding of ecology and a Darwinian way of thinking can give us novel and useful perspectives on health and disease. If we understand the disease process better, we can certainly prevent, control as well as treat diseases in a better way. Although the thought that the origins of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) might lie in our hunter gatherer adaptations is not new, research over the last decade makes us rethink many of the classical concepts. Brain and behavior is increasingly being recognized as central to all the endocrine, metabolic and immunological changes that earmark type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndrome disorders. A major change in paradigm appears to be on the horizon and the proposed book intends to speed up the paradigm shift by raising important questions, pointing out flaws and inadequacies in the prevalent paradigm and stimulating radical rethinking which would redirect and refine the line of research as well as bring some fundamental changes in drug discovery and clinical practice.

Readable, well-illustrated, and concise, Robbins and Kumar's Basic Pathology, 11th Edition, offers today's busy students a rich understanding of all essential pathology concepts from trusted names in the field. This updated edition thoroughly covers key pathologic processes and the time-honored tools of gross and microscopic analysis, while also retaining a strong emphasis on clinicopathologic correlations and the impact of molecular pathology on the practice of medicine. Outstanding artwork and schematic drawings, as well as a robust eBook experience with extensive additional features, make complex concepts easier to learn and retain. Includes fully updated clinical topics throughout. Features high-quality photomicrographs, gross photos, and radiologic images, as well as new artwork and over 150 new schematic diagrams that help summarize key or complex disease mechanisms. Contains a new Rapid Review section that uses bulleted summary boxes to deliver essential take-home messages and help you focus on the fundamentals. Includes tables of relevant laboratory tests for each chapter that link pathophysiology of disease and diagnostic testing. Highlights pathogenesis, morphology, and pathophysiologic content throughout. Features increased representation of diverse populations throughout the text, including clinical photographs of skin lesions in multiple skin types and a new section on the role of socially defined race in health disparities. An eBook version is included with purchase. The eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud-as well as access bonus content, including case studies, additional gross and microscopic figures, and more.

The study of the brain continues to expand at a rapid pace providing fascinating insights into the basic mechanisms underlying nervous system illnesses. New tools, ranging from genome sequencing to non-invasive imaging, and research fueled by public and private investment in biomedical research has been transformative in our understanding of nervous system diseases and has led to an explosion of published primary research articles. Diseases of the Nervous System, Second Edition, summarizes the current state of basic and clinical knowledge for the most common neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. In a systematic progression, each chapter covers either a single disease or a group of related disorders ranging from static insults to primary and secondary progressive neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental illnesses, illnesses resulting from nervous system infection and neuropsychiatric conditions. Chapters follow a common format and are stand-alone units, each covering disease history, clinical presentation, disease mechanisms and treatment protocols. Dr. Sontheimer also includes two chapters which discuss common concepts shared among the disorders and how new findings are being translated from the bench to the bedside. In a final chapter, he explains the most commonly used neuroscience jargon. The chapters address controversial issues in current day neuroscience research including translational research, drug discovery, ethical issues, and the promises of personalized medicine. This new edition features new chapters on Pain and Addiction to highlight the growing opioid crisis and the ethical issue of prescriptions drug abuse. This book provides an introduction for course adoption and an introductory tutorial for students, scholars, researchers and medical professionals interested in learning the state of the art concerning our understanding and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. Each chapter includes suggested further readings and/or journal club recommendations.

Die Vitalhistologie ermAglicht die zunehmend exaktere Differenzierung onkologisch relevanter Hauttumore, sowie das Erkennen zahlreicher, mit dem bloAen Auge nicht beurteilbarer Dermatosen. In der Auflichtebene sichtbare Farb- und Strukturmerkmale kAnnen dabei ohne Excision oder FArbung entsprechend dem schnitthistologischen Pendant vitalhistologisch interpretiert und diagnostiziert werden. KostengA1/4nstige und leicht bedienbare computergesteuerte Foto- und VideogerAte ermAglichen heute den breiten Einsatz dieses Verfahrens in der Praxisroutine. Das Buch bietet in knapper und A1/4bersichtlicher Form eine systematische Darstellung der Untersuchungsmethoden sowie der allgemeinen und onkologisch relevanten Differenzierungskriterien der Vitalhistologie, illustriert durch zahlreiche hochwertige Abbildungen. ErgAnzt wird das Werk durch einen kosmetologischen Basisteil.

The Global History of Paleopathology is the first comprehensive global compendium on the history of paleopathology, an interdisciplinary scientific discipline that focuses on the study of ancient disease. Offering perspectives from regions that have traditionally had long histories of paleopathology, such as the United States and parts of Europe, this volume also presents important work by an international roster of scholars who are writing their own regional and cultural histories in the field. The book identifies major thinkers and figures who have contributed to paleopathology, as well as significant organizations and courses that have sponsored scientific research and communication, most notably the Paleopathology Association. The volume concludes with an eye towards the future of the discipline, discussing methods and research at the leading edge of paleopathology, particularly those that employ the analysis of ancient DNA and isotopes.

Since President John F. Kennedy's 1963 murder in Dallas, medical examiner and lawyer Dr. Cyril Wecht was initially inclined to accept the official theory that one person alone was responsible for the crime. But as Wecht delved into the evidence with boundless curiosity and unprecedented access, he came to understand that America had, instead, suffered a coup d'etat at the hands of rogue elements within our own government. Nobody else has Wecht's up-close and personal experience in uncovering the facts behind this assassination-and now he is sharing it with the world. Co-authored by investigative journalist Dawna Kaufmann, this comprehensive book reveals Wecht's analyses of the case's forensic and medical evidence. With his keen eye and sharp tongue, Wecht wields his scalpel on JFK's dubious autopsy report, the inept Warren Commission Report, the mishandling of crucial materials, all of the key players, and the media malpractice that has allowed the truth to remain hidden for nearly six decades.

This expert volume in the Diagnostic Pathology series is an excellent point-of-care resource for practitioners at all levels of experience and training. Covering the full range of nonneoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the female genital tract, it incorporates the most recent scientific and technical knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, the third edition of Diagnostic Pathology: Gynecological is a visually stunning, one-stop resource for every practicing pathologist, resident, student, or fellow as an ideal day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Covers all areas of gynecologic pathology, organized into six easy-to-reference anatomic Covers all areas of gynecologic pathology, organized into seven easy-to-reference anatomic sections: vulva, vagina, uterine cervix, uterine corpus, fallopian tube and broad ligament, ovary, and peritoneum Includes all frequently encountered conditions plus extensive coverage of uncommon entities, such as inflammatory diseases of the vulva, discussed by experts in dermatopathology Provides updated differential diagnoses and diagnostic pearls as well as extensive revisions based on the 2020 WHO Classification of Tumors: Female Genital Tumors, including staging issues and measurement standards Reflects important molecular updates in endometrial carcinoma classifications as well as updated classifications for squamous and glandular tumors for the lower genital tract, both in situ and invasive Updates ancillary techniques, newly encountered pitfalls, and advances in the molecular landscape of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors Features more than 2,500 superb images in print and online, including many new gross and microscopic images as well as diagnostically relevant immunohistochemical and molecular findings Includes an eBook version that enables you to access all text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud

Major advancements in the field of in situ molecular pathology have occurred since publication of the first edition. In Situ Molecular Pathology and Co-expression Analyses, Second Edition, continues to teach both the molecular basis for the improvements and the actual protocols. This is the unique feature that separates it from the pack of other "cook-book" type approaches. The fields of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry have expanded rapidly where computer-based analyses systems have greatly expanded the power of these methods. Further, knowledge of the marked improvements in the reagents themselves since the first edition can make the difference of excellent versus misleading data. The automated platforms require that researchers and diagnostic biomedical investigators have a good understanding of the basics of in situ based tests, protocols, and biochemistry for troubleshooting in order to maximize the use of these platforms. This second edition focuses attention on straightforward protocols used to simultaneously detect two or more proteins/nucleic acids within intact tissue by doing co-expression analyses. Practicing molecular pathologists, diagnostic pathologists, laboratory directors, and toxicologists, as well as clinicians and researchers in training, will benefit from this clear presentation of protocols and theoretical framework. Data derived from in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

This expert volume in the Diagnostic Pathology series is an excellent point-of-care resource for practitioners at all levels of experience and training. Covering the full range of common and rare nonneoplastic renal diseases, it incorporates the most recent scientific and technical knowledge in the field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, Diagnostic Pathology: Kidney Diseases, fourth edition, is a visually stunning, one-stop resource for every practicing pathologist, nephrologist, resident, student, or fellow as an ideal day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Provides a comprehensive source for key pathologies and clinical features of more than 265 kidney diseases  Features two dozen new chapters on a variety of timely topics, including COVID-19 nephropathies, xenografts, artificial intelligence (AI), digital pathology analysis, harmonized nephropathology terminology, newly identified types of amyloidosis, common artifacts and pitfalls on kidney biopsy, vaccination-associated renal disease, crystal nephropathies, and much more  Includes updates from the International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy (IKMG) research group, the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria for IgG4-related disease, Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology, and others  Details updated genetic causes of nephrotic syndromes and antinephrin antibodies in podocytopathies-by the investigator who discovered it  Discusses the newly identified variant IgG nephropathy and novel membranous autoantigens  Contains chapters on techniques, including immunofluorescence on paraffin sections, C4d staining, and polyomavirus detection in tissue   Contains more than 4,300 print and online images, including high-resolution photographs and histologic images, full-color medical illustrations, radiologic images, and more  Employs consistently templated chapters, bulleted content, key facts, a variety of tables, annotated images, pertinent references, and an extensive index for quick, expert reference at the point of care  Shares the expertise of internationally recognized authors who provide fresh perspectives on multiple topics, with a particular emphasis on practical information that directly assists in making and supporting a diagnosis  Includes an eBook version that enables you to access all text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud 

Since the introduction of myocardial perfusion imaging and radionuclide angiography in the mid-seventies, cardiovascular nuclear medicine has undergone an explosive growth. The use of nuclear cardiology techniques has become one of the cornerstones of the noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease. In the past 15 years major steps have been made from visual analysis to quantitative analysis, from planar imaging to tomographic imaging, from detection of disease to prognosis, and from separate evaluations of perfusion, metabolism, and function to an integrated assessment of myocardial viability. In recent years many more advances have been made in cardiovascular nuclear imaging, such as the development of new imaging agents, reevaluation of existing procedures, and new clinical applications. This book describes the most recent developments in nuclear cardiology and also addresses new contrast agents in MRI. What's New in Cardiac Imaging will assist the clinical cardiologist, the cardiology fellow, the nuclear medicine physician, and the radiologist in understanding the most recent achievements in clinical cardiovascular nuclear imaging.

The book provides detailed information on breast cancer and covers all the aspects of this rapidly spreading disease, such as applied anatomy and physiology, causative factors, various Investigations to reach a concise, definitive and complete diagnosis. The management of breast cancer involves multi-modality treatment and the book describes all the modalities in a very clear manner. It also discusses in a very lucid and practical way. the multi-prong treatment that the patient requires . Additionally, the book covers lesser-known areas of the subject like rehabilitation, management of lymphoedema, Extravasation of chemo-Infusion, organization of breast cancer management group, breast cancer awareness and patient education, follow up of the patient, and psychological support to these patients who have undergone mutilation of their organ. Edited by experts the chapters are contributed by renowned onco-sugeons from high volume and reputed centers in India such as, PGIMER, Chandigarh, AIIMS, New Delhi, and TMH, Mumbai among others. The book serves as a useful resource for surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, radiologists and many other specialists interested in the field of breast cancer and actively working in this area. It is useful for practitioners and residents as well as for those who want to learn the different aspects of this disease.

Molecular and Translational Vascular Medicine will serve as a state-of-the-art resource for physicians and translational medical researchers alike who are interested in the rapidly evolving field of vascular medicine. The text provides new insight into the basic mechanisms of classic vascular pathophysiologic processes like angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and vasculitis. Furthermore, it covers new areas of investigation including the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in vascular disease, endothelial progenitor cells for disease treatment, and the genetic basis of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Lastly, this volume includes sections on the newly emerging field of therapeutic angiogenesis, and the developing technology of nanoparticle-based imaging and therapeutic treatment of the diseased vasculature. All chapters are written by established experts in their fields, including pathologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and internists as well as translational biomedical researchers in a wide range of disciplines. While comprehensive, the material is presented in a manner that simplifies the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie common vascular diseases. Molecular and Translational Vascular Medicine will be of great value to a broad audience including internists, cardiovascular and vascular surgeons, pathologists, residents and fellows, as well as translational biomedical researchers.

This book provides the description of the granulomatous diseases of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck with their characteristic features, investigations and management. It includes wide variety of infective, idiopathic, neoplastic, hereditary, reactive and various other types of chronic granulomatous reaction in the ear, nose, throat and head neck region. Further, the description is supported with various illustrations including clinical photographs, radiological pictures of CT scan, MRI scan etc. Histopathological and microbiological images which show characteristics and differentiating features are also included to aid in the diagnosis of the diseases. Histopathological colored images with high magnification and immunohistochemistry images are provided for better illustrations. This book also elaborates the important medical and surgical management of the granulomatous diseases. Every chapter ends with the 'Essential features' of that particular granulomatous disease, and this will certainly help the post-grad students and clinicians to differentiate the diseases, early diagnosis and management of the patients with chronic granulomatous diseases.

A comprehensive review of what is known about the role of cytokines and chemokines in a variety of human infectious diseases, including gram-negative and -positive infections, listeriosis, mycobacterial infections, lyme arthritis, pneumonia, fungal infections, HIV, leishmaniasis, and sepsis. The authors demonstrate the different cytokine and chemokine production profiles in response to a wide variety of pathogens and the importance of host genetic factors in determining the type and magnitude of responses to a given microorganism. They also critically evaluate the use of cytokines and anticytokines in the treatment of infectious diseases and show how knowledge of cytokine pleiotropic effects, redundancy, and the complexity of the cytokine network has led to better design and better outcomes in cytokine-based therapies for specific infections.

COVID-19 in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia crucially summarizes the current status of the coronavirus in patients suffering from these conditions, describing why they are a common cause of morbidity. Chapters provide a general description of COVID-19, including SARS-CoV-2 structure, function and biology and its impact on the elderly with chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases. Also discussed are the effects of the virus on the immune system. Other sections shift to the impact of COVID-19 on those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, with special emphasis on age, gender, ethnic background and lifestyle. Bringing this focus on neurodegenerative disease in one comprehensive resource, this volume is an essential reference for neuroscientists, clinicians, biomedical scientists and all others working or interested in the field.

Written by one of the very few pathologists who has real expertise in this field, this book is a comprehensive key for the identification of fungal infections in tissues. With updated terminology and presentation, all invasive mycoses-types are covered, detailing their epidemiology, pathology, histomorphology of fungal elements, and differential diagnoses. Each of the separate fungal groups has a good combination of text and high-quality illustrations which is a critical feature for clinicians to state the mycopathological diagnoses. Key Features: 1. Elaborates on the histological observations of both the pathological reaction and the histomorphology of fungal elements, guiding the reader in the right direction for obtaining a diagnosis of the infection. 2. Includes key observations that can be a game-changer for infectious diseases specialists and histopathologists studying the combination of fungal morphology and host response. 3. Follows a logical layout, structure, and organization with a wealth of high-quality illustrations of the various fungi in tissues elucidated by different stains.

A volume in the popular Pattern Recognition Series, Practical Hepatic Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach features completely updated and reorganized content, resulting in a truly practical guide to understanding liver pathology. Dr. Romil Saxena presents interpretation of liver biopsies according to a pattern-based approach that begins with recognition of the predominant histological pattern of injury, followed by identification of secondary features and appropriate work-up that lead you away from pitfalls to the best diagnosis. Unique "visual index" at the beginning of the book references the exact chapter and specific page needed for in-depth diagnostic guidance. Superb, high-quality, full-color images illustrate pathognomonic features and common variations. Features comprehensive information on major adult and childhood liver diseases, hepatic neoplasms and pre-neoplastic nodules, including clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging findings and differential diagnosis. Coverage of the clinical aspects of liver transplantation allows you to understand the pathology and practice of this procedure. Virtual Microscope provides your own personal set of over 300 liver slides accessible anywhere, any time on your favorite digital device. Navigate around and zoom in and out to savor these exceptionally high quality whole slide images covering everything from the normal liver to rare challenging cases. New section on Evolving Concepts keeps you abreast of new paradigms in liver diseases such as reversal of fibrosis, heterogeneity of cirrhosis, and biphenotypic primary liver cell carcinoma. Reorganized Table of Contents is even more intuitive. Expert Consult eBook version is included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, and references from the book across digital platforms.

This expert volume in the Diagnostic Pathology series is an excellent point-of-care resource for practitioners at all levels of experience and training. Covering all aspects of benign and malignant lesions of lymph nodes, and extranodal lymphomas, as well as malignancies of spleen, it incorporates the most recent clinical, pathologic, and molecular knowledge in this challenging field to provide a comprehensive overview of all key issues relevant to today's practice. Richly illustrated and easy to use, the third edition of Diagnostic Pathology: Lymph Nodes and Extranodal Lymphomas is a one-stop reference for accurate, complete pathology reports, ideal as a day-to-day reference or as a reliable training resource. Presents concise, extensive, and up-to-date information on more than 120 benign and malignant lesions of the lymph nodes, and covers extranodal lymphomas to help new and experienced surgical pathologists and hematopathologists alike identify crucial elements of each diagnosis and associated differential diagnoses Provides clinical and histologic features, results of relevant ancillary studies, and a differential diagnosis for each entry Features extensive updates throughout, reflecting the increasing importance of molecular markers for more precise diagnoses, and covering newly defined disease entities Includes new chapters covering EBV(+) T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood, Erdheim-Chester disease, indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, primary cutaneous acral CD8(+) lymphoma, primary cutaneous CD4(+) small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, and primary cutaneous CD8(+) aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma; also provides new information on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma Contains more than 3,400 high-quality clinical and histological images, gross pathology images, radiologic images, micrographs, flow cytometry histograms, and full-color illustrations to help practicing and in-training pathologists reach a confident diagnosis Includes updated criteria, terminology, and classifications using the WHO Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors: Lymphoid Neoplasms, 5th edition Employs consistently templated chapters, bulleted content, key facts, a variety of test data tables, annotated images, and an extensive index for quick, expert reference at the point of care Includes an eBook version that enables you to access all text, figures, and references, with the ability to search, customize your content, make notes and highlights, and have content read aloud

This book presents a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to vascular disease for the geriatric patient, focusing on vascular pathology and interventions but also on perioperative care, anesthetic care, functional outcomes and quality of life, as well as ethical considerations that impact decision making. The book addresses open and endovascular interventions in different vascular beds, as well as preoperative workup and optimization, anesthetic considerations, all aspects and expectations of the postoperative care and recovery and is the only book to include specialize in the intricacies of the care of the geriatric patients, the challenging recovery and neurocognitive changes, and ethical considerations for the end stage geriatric patient or in the setting of postoperative complications. Written by experts in the field, each section addresses patient selection, pre-operative considerations, technical conduct of the most common operations with open or endovascular options, and avoiding complications. A brief review of the existing literature addressing the particular topic follows in each section. With its concise yet comprehensive summary of the field, Vascular Disease in Older Adults is the ultimate resource for geriatricians, cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and all physicians of who care for the aging patient with vascular disease.

This book provides a practical guide for all those working in or with Medical Examiner Services in England and Wales. It is an adjunct to the e-learning and face-to-face training required to fulfil the Medical Examiner and Medical Examiner Officer roles. Medical Examiner Services also work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including bereavement and mortuary teams, Coroners and their Officers, Registrars, Funeral Directors and those working in clinical governance and patient safety. This book provides an essential overview of all aspects of the Medical Examiner system for anyone working in these areas, or in any aspect of the support and management of the deceased and bereaved. A concise guide including the knowledge base required to develop and run a Medical Examiner Service Content is completely aligned with required training Written by those with direct experience of establishing and working with Medical Examiner Services Relevant to a wide range of stakeholders who work with patients and the bereaved

The heart-wrenchingly honest and fascinating new book from forensic pathologist and bestselling author of UNNATURAL CAUSES, Dr Richard Shepherd A TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Each chapter is like a finely-crafted detective story . . . Shepherd writes beautifully, and despite its subject, the book is very funny in parts' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Enlightening, strangely uplifting . . . Shepherd's final chapter on death itself is a meditation of great beauty and light which puts all the darkness of the previous pages into perspective' DAILY MAIL 'Deeply insightful. Unflinching' THE TIMES 'Fascinating' DAILY EXPRESS 'This book is about death, but in it I will take readers on a journey through life . . .' _________ Dr Richard Shepherd, Britain's top forensic pathologist, has spent a lifetime close to the dead. As a medical detective, each autopsy he carries out is its own unique investigation, uncovering the secrets not only of how a person died, but also of how they lived. Through twenty-four of his most intriguing, enlightening and never-before-told cases, Dr Shepherd shares autopsies that span the seven ages of human existence, and have taught him as much about the marvels of life as the inevitability of death. From old to young, from murder to misadventure, and from illness to accidental death, each of these bodies has something to reveal: about human development, about mortality, about its owner's life story, about justice and even about Shepherd himself. From the bestselling author of Unnatural Causes comes a powerful, moving and above all reassuring book about death as it touches our own lives - how to understand it, and, when our time comes (as it must), how to embrace it as the last great adventure. _________ 'He has the ability to examine himself and other people with the same forensic eye that he applies to corpses - one of the reasons why his books feel so life-enhancing' Daily Telegraph Praise for Dr Richard Shepherd 'Gripping, grimly fascinating, and I suspect I'll read it at least twice' Evening Standard 'A deeply mesmerising memoir of forensic pathology. Human and fascinating' Nigella Lawson 'An absolutely brilliant book. I really recommend it, I don't often say that but it's fascinating' Jeremy Vine, BBC Radio 2 'Puts the reader at his elbow as he wields the scalpel' Guardian 'Fascinating, gruesome yet engrossing' Richard and Judy, Daily Express 'Fascinating, insightful, candid, compassionate' Observer