Fundamental Immunology (4th edn) edited by W.E. Paul

Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1999. $135.00 (xi + 1589 pages)ISBN 0 7817 1412 5In assembling the fourth edition of Fundamental Immunology, W.E. Paul strives to cover the collective landscape of the field. This edition has been reorganized first to introduce concepts and review history, before moving on to chapters detailing the current status and future trends in focused areas. The reorganization is designed to help readers with a limited background in the field gain insight, but few should use this book as an introductory text. However, for readers with some background or with main interests in related areas, and/or those desiring a current reintroduction to the field, this fourth edition will supersede Paul's goal of providing an ‘authoritative presentation of the basic elements and mechanisms of clinical conditions’.Fundamental Immunology represents a superb collection of chapters pertinent to any individual interested in gaining current information about immunology. The 45 chapters are written by leading researchers in their respective areas of expertise. These chapters build from fundamental cell biology, tissue organization and immunoregulation to an integrated view of the mechanisms underlying clinical immunology. The individual chapters vary slightly in their organization and focus, but most include a comprehensive review of current thinking in the specific area, with some indication of the outstanding questions.Many readers may use a volume of this size and scope for reference. With this purpose in mind, the organizational annotation is limited to a table of contents and a brief chronological outline at the beginning of each chapter. Additional notation of page numbers for subsections within the chapter would benefit readers trying to find specific, detailed information. Alternatively, an enhanced and expanded index with more precise terms could eliminate this deficiency.The fourth edition of Fundamental Immunology is a great resource covering a broad range of topics in depth. The individual contributors bring their own insight and bias with the benefits of their expertise. While some may choose to dwell on the primary literature for the most current information, those looking to gain a comprehensive and current view of immunology in one volume will find this book a most practical purchase.