When I was introduced to the first edition of this book I was enthralled. Here was a bestseller of the addictions world which combined good readable English with evidence-based medicine and sound clinical judgement. When I came to read this third edition I assumed it would be as good, so I took it on holiday, something clinicians are warned against, but the risk was worth it and I was not disappointed.

For this new edition the first author has been joined by two others. This enhances the book by giving it a broader creative base from two well-respected figures. The volume is divided into two parts, the first of which covers basic areas which give a background understanding of alcohol problems, while the second part gives a thoroughly practical account of clinical relevance to screening, assessment and treatment. There is an introductory guide which sets forth the aims of the authors and would allow easy access by a reader to those areas of immediate interest at any time when dipping into the book.

As might be expected, where statements are made, references are quoted to back up the opinions expressed. This means it can function as a very useful starting point for pursuing an area of interest. Appropriate references are quoted from the past (with Trotter, 1804, being the oldest I could see) while incorporating up to date literature as well. Unfortunately, Project MATCH was published just too late to be included though there is information on the use of new drugs such as acamprosate and naltrexone.

I am probably being too critical to cavil that a section is included on “transient hallucinatory experience” without anything other than opinion to back it up. There is no discussion in relationship to DSM-IV or ICD-10 about this suggestion. Similarly, a statement is made that alcoholic hepatitis “almost always progresses to cirrhosis in women, even following abstinence”. That has not been my invariable experience and I would have liked a reference to support this. However, to find only two criticisms compared with such a luxurious wealth of fact, common sense and treatment optimism - while being a good read into the bargain makes me feel churlish. All psychiatrists who treat patients with alcohol problems should obtain a copy and they will find that it will repay itself as a reference book. Libraries in psychiatric hospitals must have at least one copy for those preparing for examinations.