This is a very big book, in every sense! From sheer size (946 pages) and author base (USA, UK and Europe) to depth of research and topic review, it is, in my humble opinion, unparalleled for its genre in the sphere of rhinology and facial plastics, at this moment in time.

As you would expect, there is something for everyone. The book starts with anatomy and physiology, running through basic disease pathogenesis plus run-of-the-mill surgical procedures, and then delves into cutting edge topics, such as skull base reconstructions, advances in facial fillers and the latest endoscopic approaches.

What is particularly impressive is the approach to layout. The text covers the usual introduction, procedures, complications etc, but every section is prefaced with ‘Core messages’ and, in most cases, finished off with ‘Take home pearls’ – this enables the reader to précis the section of their choice, and then refresh their memory using the bullet point conclusions.

The book is beautifully illustrated, with colour pictures plus intelligible tables and graphs, although there is no accompanying CD or DVD. This is just an observation rather than a criticism, as the book more than delivers, visually, to compensate for this.

This book has been well thought out and compiled by its principal authors, and there is a refreshing mix of ‘great and good’ contributors and lesser known names. I think it is worthy of a place on any ENT surgeon's bookshelf and will stand the test of time, for many years to come!