Smith CUM:

Elements of Molecular Neurobiology, 3rd Edition, 630 pp, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, 2002 ($165.00).

A concise and current textbook of the basic concepts in molecular neurobiology, this book provides the foundation for an understanding of the molecular basis of neurobiology. It is a wealth of basic information and a serious starting point for undergraduate students, neuroscience students, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and researchers who want a concise introduction to the field. The success of the book is illustrated by the fact that this is the third edition since 1989. The author should be congratulated not only for the valuable integration of the important aspects of molecular biology in neuroscience but also for relatively early recognition of the need for a modern textbook on this rapidly developing field.

The main feature of this book is the well-balanced amount of information provided in each chapter. Well-structured and up-to-date chapters, glossary, five appendices (Molecules and Consciousness, Units, Data, Genes, Physical Models of Ion Conduction), an index of neurological diseases, and a very helpful high-yield bibliography (excellent selection of the most important reviews) make this book really complete and one of the best sources for learning. The bibliography also provides Web sites relevant for each chapter. It is a new and very useful feature and provides a good introduction to further study. Among many other innovations, it represents the inventive and modern author's approach. The book is well-illustrated, and it successfully presents complex ideas visually. Some continuing controversial issues in neuroscience are represented in a fair and unbiased way. Basic concepts as well as recent developments in clinical and basic neuroscience likely to assist in the understanding of the relevant neurological disorders are included and well-explained. All these features are especially important for students.

I recommend this book because it brings together a wide range of current concepts in a compact and well-edited volume. This unique, easy to read book serves as an excellent source for studying as well as a ready and accessible reference that will be a great help to its readers. It already has a well-earned place on the neuroscience students' reference shelf.