Neuropediatrics 2019; 50(03): 207
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1683412
Book Review
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Aicardi's Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood

Eugen Boltshauser
1   Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 March 2019 (online)

Alexis Arzimanoglou, Ann O'Hare, Michael V. Johnston, Robert Ouvrier, eds. Aicardi's Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood. 4th ed. (Clinics in Developmental Medicine).. London: Mac Keith Press; 2018 (1,524 pages). ISBN 978–1-909962–80–4. EUR ca 226.00 (e-book: eISBN 978–1-909962910)

With great respect, I am looking at this new edition which was eagerly awaited. “Aicardi's Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood” is the premier reference textbook for many. The first edition appeared in 1992 and the subsequent larger volumes (2nd edition 1998, 3rd edition 2009) reflect the growth and increasing complexity of the field and the availability of new “tools” (as imaging and genetics)–I have been able to witness these changes over 40 years. My respect is probably influenced by a personal bias, as I had the privilege to meet Prof. Jean Aicardi several times in person.

The 4th edition starts with a short CV and a tribute to Jean Aicardi (1926–2015) who asked his mentee and close friend Alexis Arzimanoglou to take over the editorship of the next (4th) edition. It was the explicit wish for the book to remain “resolutely clinical.” The editors have successfully mastered this wish.

The 4th edition follows the previous one after 9 years. As expected, the content of an update will result in an expansion–a difficult balance for authors and editors. Indeed the volume is now “monumental,” with more than 1,500 pages, and an extraordinary size for a one-volume format (about A4 format, 8 cm thickness, weight 4.2 kg). The book is organized in 32 chapters, contributed by 47 authors. As in previous editions, a chapter on the neurological examination of infants and children is deliberately not included, arguing that excellent books on this topic exist already. It would surpass the scope of a short book review to discuss details of single chapters. The texts are comprehensive. The print of illustrations (many in full color) is of good quality. The cost-performance ratio is very favorable.

Undoubtedly, the editors and authors have succeeded (as intended in the preface) in providing a reference book for practising child neurologists; however, I am not fully convinced about its use as a first reference for trainees. The dimensions of the volume is limiting the practical use of the print version, it is likely my personal difficulty that I find it rather difficult to scroll through an e-book. It is expected that texts are referenced, but this has limitations, at least in a print version this should be balanced (e.g., chapter 2: 40 pages text, 16 pages references; chapter 11: 85 pages text, 30 pages references).

Despite these minor reservations, this edition can be highly recommended as a very informative source.