Basic Human Genetics (2nd edn).

Elaine J. Mange and Arthur P. Mange. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland, Massachusetts. 1999. Pp. 530. Price £27.95, paperback. ISBN 0 87893 497 9.

I found this book this book to be a pleasure to read: it was attractive, accessible and full of surprises. In chapter one I did not expect to start reading a detective story about phenylketonuria, but found myself enjoying this style of teaching. I can understand how the first edition of this book won its awards from the American Medical Writers Association and others: the unpretentious style and accessibility of content will endear it to students of science as well as medicine, and this doctor found it refreshing to update myself in such an easy manner!

The book starts well with its contents pages: first an overview to find easily what the book covers, and then a more detailed guide to contents. A full, detailed index which works, is also worth mentioning. The ‘boxes’ are a useful addition to the main chapters, providing extra reading for those who wish it. The diagrams are on the whole a joy, especially those in three dimensions. The collection of key terms at the end of each chapter brought back memories of my own learning style as a student, which worked for me, and which I am sure today’s students will find invaluable. The questions, with answers to check responses, will be an invaluable guide to most students, although I did find some answers to be rather dogmatic in their statements. There is room for more discussion in some of them.

Relevant social and ethical issues are raised in many of the chapters, firmly placing the science of this book in the context of those people with whom it concerns itself. It is not a concise book, and the conversational style this produces may not appeal to every scientist.

The book is honest when it admits it does not cover every aspect of the problems upon which it touches, but it does give a bibliography and comments upon further reading. Like many texts from the USA, I am sorry that it fails to mention major works by British authors in some instances, for example Peter Harper’s book on Huntington Disease. The addition of a CD will appeal to students; I only hope they also take the time to read this enjoyable, informative book.