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Hoffbrand’s Essential Haematology: 9th Edition
By A Victor Hoffbrand and others
Published by Wiley Blackwell
Price £52.95
Haematology has deep scientific and clinical roots, and for non-specialists, it can seem a daunting specialty that is clouded in mist. Combining basic science and clinical aspects into an easy and understandable read, this excellent book could support and guide medical students, resident doctors, nurse and laboratory specialists, and non-specialists (such as GPs) through the world of haematology.
According to the preface, Hoffbrand’s Essential Haematology first appeared in 1980 as a book aimed at medical students. It is great to see it still going strong with this edition published earlier this year, more than 40 years later. It is very much built for the modern era with an impressive and readable text, excellent figures and tables and superb use of colour. The text is detailed yet easy to read, and packs a lot of information into its 490 pages (including the index).
I particularly liked the clarity of writing style and found learning from it relatively easy. For example, the short paragraph on Tyrosine Kinases and their inhibitors (p. 144) gives an excellent and concise explanation of the topic. In the same vein, I wanted to look up and understand more about two coagulation tests, namely Prothrombin Time and APTT. This is clearly discussed on page 351; the text is helpful but the figure is the real star of the show in clarifying this topic.
There is also a companion website which contains multiple choice questions, figures and tables which can be very useful.
I think the price is fairly set for a quality and highly readable book which covers and demystifies the topic. Well worth a look.
