Review

How to be top

Medicine and Humanity
Edited by Marshall Marinker
King’s Fund, 2001. £14.99

A range of experts and thinkers have contributed to this collection, and it is their professionalism and insight that prevent it from being a bland application of sociology to medical issues – as its title at first suggests.

There is probably something here for everyone in healthcare, although its broad approach might not immediately sell it to specialists. From a student’s point of view, the book can be highly recommended, since it offers the depth of insight needed for background in several areas, and so will allow students’ essays to move to a higher grade level, if applied properly.

More advanced students will be able to take their professional studies to a greater depth by pursuing the academic clues provided in the references. Arguments are balanced, and carefully considered. Although there is passion, there appear to be no particular prejudices in any of the contributions. This is academic writing at its best – readable, precise, supported by references and, above all, relevant.

Libraries that encourage use by nursing students should make sure that they stock at least one copy of this text, since it could be so widely applied. Individual departments who wish to support their team by providing a resource area may also benefit from a copy.

Certainly, the thoughtful questions that arise from these pages will take any discussion to another level. Altogether a useful book to have around, and one to cherish and enjoy, even if the topic is not necessarily your own.