In medical writing brevity is the kiss of life. Nevertheless most articles are unnecessarily lengthy and publications continue to multiply. Pity the poor reader! A succession of unduly long articles is bad enough, but if each is followed by a plethora of references the effect is positively daunting. Even the reader who is impressed by the length of a list may question the author's discrimination. Were all those references needed? Were they helpful? Has the authorreally read every one? All too often we look in vain for evidence of selectivity. Here lies the strength of this book. The authors have combed the literature and culled it ruthlessly, selecting just a few hand-picked references on every important aspect of orthopaedic trauma. They have ranged widely but chosen narrowly, and with a sense of balance. And having selected, they have also distilled, adding a brief and thoughtful commentary on each group of entries. The four authors, of varying vintages, met at frequent intervals to discuss each section in tum and to debate the value of every inclusion. I can almost hear the cut and thrust as well-informed views were exchanged, and also the sighs of relief as differences were resolved. The authors compare their meetings with those of the Editorial Board of the IBIS; since these are a delightful mixture of conflict, entertainment and enlightenment, what a marvellous time they must have had.