In the preface, Dr Creamer points out that this monograph "is not a textbook, it is neither comprehensive nor balanced, but it does attempt to cover some of the more recent approaches to small intestinal disease." This summarization is accurate. Ten of the 17 chapters in this book are delightful explorations of major small intestinal diseases that are written in a clear and lucid manner, particularly those contributed by the editor. Many are studded with excellent illustrations and helpful graphs. The two chapters entitled "Mainly About Structure" and "Mainly About Function" are jewels. They are comprehensive, titillating dissertations of current knowledge in both fields. The other chapters are less appealing and contain little new information, and several have confusing diagrams. The last chapter, "Diseases of the Small Intestine in Children," is redundant and serves as a lengthy summary. The bibliography following several chapters is also disappointingly brief, and, in several