Summary: Publisher Summary 1 New edition of a text on thalassemias that summarizes the evidence suggesting that the clinical picture of this disorder may result from several different inherited defects of globin synthesis similar in type to the other inherited hemoglobinopathies. The 16 chapters reflect the vast amount of new information obtained about the genetic control of hemoglobin in general and the thalassaemias in particular, which are likely to pose an increasingly serious health problem in this century. Discussion includes historical background; biology, clinical features, and diagnosis and management of thalassaemia; and the future. Written and edited by D. J. Weatherall and J.B. Clegg (both of the molecular haematology unit, Institute of Molecular Medicine, U. of Oxford) with additional contributions by R. Gibbons, J.M. Old, Swee Lay Thein, and W.G. Wood (all associated with the U. of Oxford), and Nancy F. Oliveri (Hospital for Sick Children and the Toronto General Hospital). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)   Publisher Summary 2 In the new edition of this successful and authoritative book, the thalassaemias are reviewed in detail with respect to their clinical features, cellular pathology, molecular genetics, prevention and treatment. It is aimed at specialists in haematology in the laboratory or clinical setting, particularly in areas where thalassaemia is common either in the native population or in immigrant communities. The fourth edition has been both updated and re-organized. Three new chapters have been added on the link between alpha-thalassaemia and mental retardation, on avoidance and population control and on global epidemiology. Considerable emphasis is placed on molecular pathology reflecting the huge burst of information to have come out of this field in the last few years.