Scheuer PJ Lefkowitch JH:

Liver Biopsy Interpretation, Sixth Edition, 381 pp, London, W.B. Saunders, 2000 ($95.00).

In the foreword of this beautiful, small book, Professor Dame Sheila Sherlock calls it the liver biopsy bible. Personally, if you allow me to counter with another ecclesiastical metaphor, I would prefer to call it a breviary—in my dictionary defined as the book of daily prayers. Something to be read for inspiration and guidance, or, if lost, so that you could regain the road to the greater truth (read ‘correct diagnosis’), I imagine.

If you are a resident, or a practicing diagnostic pathologist in need of a readable, modern, no-nonsense hepatopathology text, this book is almost ideally suited for you. Compact yet comprehensive, it covers essentially everything you need to know from A to Z about interpreting liver biopsies. The sixth edition is a fully revised and somewhat expanded version of its predecessor. Beautifully written, lapidary but to the point, it deals with all major liver diseases, i.e., those accounting for at least 90% of the routine material. For the sake of completeness, the authors mention many less common entities, but for more details you will have to consult references listed at the end of each chapter. These references are up-to-date and well-chosen.

The text is illustrated with instructive photographs, most of which are in full color. The photographs are of enviably high quality and are reproduced in nicely balanced colors. A new chapter on aspiration cytology has been added, in keeping with the new diagnostic trends. This old fashioned adherent of classic histopathology wondered whether this was really needed. In the chapter on liver transplantation, nevertheless, I found enough assurances that liver biopsy will not be relegated to the dust bin.

The first edition of Dr. Scheuer's book was the first liver pathology text that I bought as a resident in 1968. I am thrilled that it has survived into its sixth edition, thus giving me the opportunity to recommend it to my residents. For those beyond the residency, let me add that this didactic masterpiece of the first order deserves to be read (and reread from time to time) not only by hepatopathologists but by generalists as well. In my opinion, it is still the best introductory text on liver biopsy interpretation. It is as good and authoritative a source of hepatopathological consultations as you will ever need in your daily practice.