Previously published as Handbook of Critical Care by CMG this book is a pocket-sized basic intensive care manual. The handbook is divided into 15 chapters, eight substantial ones covering the major organ systems, as well as infection, nutrition, physical injury and toxicology, and brief chapters on scoring systems and obstetrics. Many of the sections are loaded with very clear pictures, comparative tables, diagrams and lists, and provide more than adequate information for juniors training in intensive care medicine. The definitions, aetiology, clinical features and differential diagnoses are well covered. Excellent use is made of bullet points and numbering, which vastly increases the clarity of presentation compared with many other books that are pitched at a similar audience.