From my first superficial glance through this book to subsequent much more in-depth reading, it is very apparent that the authors' aims of providing an extensive update in the area of medical speech–language pathology has been met. The book is packed with highly detailed information relevant to all professionals dealing with an adult communication and swallow impaired population. Each chapter usefully concludes with study questions and an impressive list of references for wider reading that are of use both to those developing skills and competencies through to the specialist with extensive experience. Every student placement supervisor would find this book an excellent resource in pre-placement preparation and in guiding further reading. Although there is obviously an American bias to some chapters, such as on service delivery, reimbursement, health insurance and accountability, this does not detract from the extensive research-based evidence relevant to diagnosis and treatment.

My only criticism, albeit minor, relates to the order of chapters. Having ploughed through Section Two (Neurocognitive Communication Disorders), I was surprised to find the chapter on neurologic disorders tucked in the final section and feel it would have been of more relevance if included at the beginning of Section Two in order to provide a framework for understanding the neurological approach to the problems the speech and language therapist may encounter. The same can be said for the chapter on voice disorders in Section Three, for which the reader finds its corresponding chapter on medical and surgical management in otolaryngology at the end of the book.

However, despite the latter comments, this book provides extremely good value for money at Euro 79.95 – there are many other books at this price which provide only a fraction of the content of this book.