Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Diseases and Disorders. 3 vols. 960p. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2008. 978-0-7614-7770-9; 2007-60867. $ 279.95.

From acne, AIDS and asthma to warts, whiplash and the West Nile virus, this layman's guide to health and medicine describes some of the most common diseases and disorders prevalent in the world today. The scope includes the common conditions, injuries and mental disorders frequently diagnosed in the United States, as well as infectious and parasite-borne diseases still encountered in the developing word. The 302 entries are color-coded by type: overview articles, infections, noninfectious diseases and mental disorders. Most overview articles describe groups of disorders affecting specific body functions or population groups. General treatments, preventative measures and research methods also are discussed. Articles on specific diseases or disorders describe causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment measures. With the exception of overview articles, the information provided is succinctly presented in 1-4 pages. Although the articles are expert written, their simple language is aimed at students and non-specialists. Numerous color illustrations, charts and tables of key facts allow the user to quickly identify the salient features of each disorder. Liberally used cross-references and a selective list of resources provide other avenues for research. In addition to a comprehensive index, separate subject indexes focus on infections, noninfectious diseases and mental disorders. This basic introduction to disease is especially appropriate for middle school, high school and public libraries.

— John Lawrence