In the early days of our specialty, laryngology was a discipline in its own right. It was then, for many practitioners, subsumed into the generality of ear, nose and throat surgery. However, in more recent times, laryngology has emerged once again as a huge topic worthy of specialty status.

The subject matter covered in this book ranges from basic science, through principles of medical and surgical therapy, and then to disorders of voice and swallowing. Finally, there is a section on special issues in laryngology, including voice restoration and nasal disease as it affects laryngeal function.

In an easily readable and well presented fashion, the main authors and their colleagues have presented in each chapter key points and core information, together with review questions and separate ‘thought’, ‘controversy’ and ‘emerging concepts’ boxes, all of which make for very interesting and stimulating reading.

The book begins with a pre-test section, which many will find both entertaining and challenging, but which is guaranteed to send the reader in search of the answers. The book ends with a post-test section, which is no less taxing.

The book is illustrated throughout with some good quality line drawings, illustrative radiographs and colour photographs as well as with useful diagrams, tables and flow charts.

The authors have attempted to bring the many complex laryngeal disorders into a single volume that can be used by the whole range of professionals whose job it is to care for patients with laryngeal disease. They have done so in excellent style.

This is a book that belongs in any big otolaryngology or speech and language therapy departmental library – it will be well used.