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Nelson Textbook Pediatrics 22nd edition (two volumes)
Edited by Robert Kliegman, Joseph W. St Geme 111, Nathan J.Blum, Robert C. Tasker, Karen M. Wilson, Abigail M. Schuh and Cara L. Mack
ISBN for the set 978-0-323-88305-4
Published by Elsevier (Published June 2024)
Price £144.99
This two-volume colossus has a combined 4472 pages. Volume 1 has 2,222 pages, while the index has 132 extra pages on each volume. This extraordinary publication has a huge number of contributors who seem mainly to be based in North America (hence the title Pediatrics), with contributions from a few authors from other countries.
The descriptions of the back of each volume sound a bit overblown—“covering every aspect of general pediatric practice” and “gold standard reference in pediatrics,” for example — but to be honest, these proclamations are likely to be justified.
A comprehensive work like this takes decades to reach this level, and building on this history, the 22nd edition is modern, fresh, and hugely comprehensive. Two new associate editors have been added, and about 60 new chapters have been added and updated. The knowledge locked inside these two large volumes is mind-blowing and almost encyclopaedic.
It is also a highly readable book. I decided to read up on the latest review on Rett Syndrome, and there is an excellent description on Page 3720. The description is easy to read and relevant to a clinical audience, but there is also a good sprinkling of relevant genetics.
Sometimes, just dipping in and marvelling at the huge amount of available subject matter is enjoyable. For example, I randomly opened volume two at Chapter 440, page 2589, and read about Plastic Bronchitis, a condition that I had never heard of before. Admittedly, it is rare, but the description is excellent. Apart from the sheer volume of material that is here, it also exudes excellence coupled with trust.
In a book of this size, you would need a digital companion that can reside on your smartphone or tablet for easy access and easy search capabilities. Fortunately, the purchase price comes with a companion digital twin as part of the purchase price. Scratch off the access code on the inside hardcover of volume 1 and enter the code onto a website, and the book appears both on the website and app. Both the web and app incarnations work well and are easy to use. Having this kind of content at your fingertips on a mobile device is a huge plus.
Best of all is the price. The recommended price is £144.99, which is great value for the two volumes and digital twin. However, at the time of writing, it is available from the publisher’s website at £130.49. If you simply want the digital product and not the two-volume colossus (you may not have the room to store them), the eBook currently costs £105.29.
The app’s search function seems great, too. I tried searching for Tongue Tie or Ankyloglossia and found 10 hits. It was easy to read from my iPhone and move quickly through all 10 hits to obtain the information I needed.
These products represent excellent value for an excellent resource. If paediatrics (sorry, pediatrics) is your main professional activity, then I am sure you will benefit from owning this superb and trusted resource.
