As a teacher of chest imaging I was delighted to see the second edition of Chest Radiology: The Essentials. As in its first edition, the book is concise enough to read cover to cover in a short period of time yet comprehensive enough to include the essential aspects of thoracic imaging. The second edition includes needed updates and a large number of new images. It is an improved version of an excellent book.

The book is easy to read and provides the reader with the basic knowledge required to interpret the chest radiograph and the essential CT findings. The first two chapters illustrate normal anatomy and signs of disease. The remaining chapters follow the pattern approach, the optimal approach to reach a radiologic differential diagnosis. The book contains descriptions of the essential patterns, relevant illustrations, and the most important differential diagnostic considerations.

Each chapter starts by delineating the learning objectives. Chapters contain schematic drawings that greatly facilitate the understanding of the various radiologic signs and numerous tables that summarize the most common causes of any given radiographic abnormality. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 20, a self-assessment review that will be particularly helpful to residents and other physicians to evaluate their knowledge of the core aspects of chest imaging.

Both authors have completed the AJR Figley Fellowship in Radiology Journalism and have considerable teaching and publishing experience. In addition, Dr. Collins has a master's degree in education. The authors' backgrounds and talents as writers are reflected in the clear outline of the book's contents and the concise manner in which it provides a comprehensive review of the basics of chest radiology.