Preface from the first edition (1996): "The world of modern science is undergoing a number of spectacular events that are redefining our understanding of ourselves. As with any revolution, we should take stock of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. Our special world of bone biology is participating in and taking advantage of the larger global revolution in modern science... we assembled experts from all over the world and asked them to focus on the current state of knowledge and the prospects for new knowledge in their area of expertise. To this end, Principles of Bone Biology was conceived." - John P. Bilezikian, Lawrence G. Raisz, Gideon A. Rodan Praise for the previous edition: "Students, teachers, and practitioners will benefit from reading it, and investigators will use it as a reference work; it will certainly be consulted frequently." --The New England Journal of Medicine For over two decades, "Big Gray" has been the go-to repository of knowledge in the disciplines related to bone and mineral metabolism. The fourth edition is a must-have for students new to the field; young investigators at the graduate or postgraduate level beginning their research careers; established scientists who need to keep up with the changing nature of the field, looking to enrich their own research programs, or who are changing their career direction; clinicians who want ready access to up-to-date relevant basic science. This new edition builds on the successful formula from previous editions, taking the reader from the basic elements of fundamental research to the most sophisticated concepts in therapeutics. Principles of Bone Biology, Fourth Edition provides the most comprehensive, authoritative reference on the study of bone biology and related diseases. Bone research continues to generate enormous attention, due to the broad public health implications of osteoporosis and related bone disorders. This classic, fully updated, two volume reference is designed for anyone involved in the study of bone biology.

The Aging Skeleton is a comprehensive and timely book on all aspects of the skeleton as it ages, including basic mechanisms and pathways as well as pathobiology. Chapters cover general aspects and models of aging, determinants and maintenance of peak bone mass, mechanisms of age-related bone loss, quantifiable manifestations of age-related bone loss, fractures, and therapeutics.
Key Features
* Covers all aspects of the aging skeleton in one comprehensive volume
* Looks at the influence of genetics, nutrition, environment, hormones, and other factors on bone mass
* Provides a thorough discussion of fractures, one of the major consequences of the aging skeleton
* Reviews current therapeutic approaches and methods
* Written by internationally renowned authors and edited by leaders in the field
* Is the only book available on this subject

LA WRENCE G. RAISZ, MD Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Connecticut Health Center. Farmington. CT The rapid transfer of new knowledge concerning the pathogenesis, diagnosis, preven tion, and treatment of disease into clinical practice has always been a major challenge in medicine. This challenge is particularly difficult to meet in osteoporosis, not only because has been so much new knowledge generated in recent years, but also because this there disorder has not caught the attention of many practicing physicians. The goal of this volume is to help primary care physicians develop a better understanding of osteoporosis and a more effective approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. As primary care physicians become more and more responsible for the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease, osteoporosis must become one of their important concerns. The magnitude of the problem of osteoporosis has been widely publicized. Within the next 30 years, the cost of hip fractures alone is expected to exceed $40 billion a year in the United States and will be a major cause ofincreased mortality. In addition, vertebral crush fractures will cripple more and more of our elderly population, both men and women. This enormous toll is not inevitable. Current methods of identifying individuals at risk and applying preventive programs could reduce the incidence offractures by 50% or more. This should be the minimum goal of clinicians."

LA WRENCE G. RAISZ, MD Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Connecticut Health Center. Farmington. CT The rapid transfer of new knowledge concerning the pathogenesis, diagnosis, preven tion, and treatment of disease into clinical practice has always been a major challenge in medicine. This challenge is particularly difficult to meet in osteoporosis, not only because has been so much new knowledge generated in recent years, but also because this there disorder has not caught the attention of many practicing physicians. The goal of this volume is to help primary care physicians develop a better understanding of osteoporosis and a more effective approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. As primary care physicians become more and more responsible for the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease, osteoporosis must become one of their important concerns. The magnitude of the problem of osteoporosis has been widely publicized. Within the next 30 years, the cost of hip fractures alone is expected to exceed $40 billion a year in the United States and will be a major cause ofincreased mortality. In addition, vertebral crush fractures will cripple more and more of our elderly population, both men and women. This enormous toll is not inevitable. Current methods of identifying individuals at risk and applying preventive programs could reduce the incidence offractures by 50% or more. This should be the minimum goal of clinicians."