Immunology: A Short Course, Third Edition

Immunology: A Short Course, Third Edition is an extensively revised and updated version of their previous edition. According to the authors, every chapter has been either extensively revised or rewritten since the 1991 publication of their second edition. Much of the updated information is in the realm of molecular mechanisms of lymphocyte action which have been elucidated in the past five years. The book is organized as in the previous edition, following the standard plan of conventional immunology texts. However, each chapter is condensed to what would be the equivalent length of preparatory reading for a lecture, treating essential topics fairly well without losing the reader in esoteric details. The authors have followed the theory of the architect, Mies van der Rohe, that "less is more." In the words of the authors, "Immunology deals with understanding how the body distinguishes between what is self and what is 'nonself; all the rest is technical detail." The book maintains this relative focus throughout, although details judged pertinent are appropriately covered. The end of each chapter includes a summary of important topics or concepts, references for further reading, and very useful review questions and answers which quiz the reader on pertinent information, serving as a check to make sure the reader has understood the essentials of the chapter. In this sense, the book serves not only as a very readable introduction to immunology, but would also be valuable for any student wanting a "review-of-essentials" text. There are sections covering immunodeficiency, immunotherapy, hypersensitivity, and tumor immunology, in addition to transfusion and transplantation immunology. Furthermore, some clinical situations are presented which help to synthesize the material. The diagrams, histology, and occasional electron micrograph wellillustrate the important concepts. This book would make a great introductory text for the student interested in the essentials of immunology. The format of the book, complete with review questions, lends itself well to self-study for the student or professional who would like to obtain a working knowledge of the field. It also provides a valuable resource for those readers wanting to refresh themselves on the essentials of immunology.