It is not long since surgery of the spine dealt with fracture-dislocation and tuberculosis, little else. With the advent of contrast X-ray and anatomical study a wide range of disease entities has been categorized and become the subject of corrective and ameliorative treatment. The principal author of the present book has played a distinguished part in widening knowledge of the anatomy of the bones, ligaments, blood vessels, neural features and the natural history of diseases relevant to hard structure disorder. He has done this in relation to the development of highly refined surgical techniques based strictly upon structural requirements in relation to the disease processes under treatment. The result is a comprehensive account of his integrative conceptualisation and the relevant principles of the methods used. His component, the major part of the book, is in the tradition of John Hunter, Bland Sutton, Kanavel and others who improved their understanding and treatment by the discipline enforced by the discipline of basic investigation. In the era of proliferation of specialties and books of single author chapters it is refreshing to meet one man's mind extended. By Sir George Bedbrook adding the fruits of his years of experience and thought about the treatment of spinal injury the book is enriched. As the best of two investigative practitioners, it reflects the best features of the surgical calling and should be studied not only for its material but especially for its reflection of high professional endeavour.