“Very Short Introductions are for anyone wanting a stimulating and accessible way into a new subject. They are written by experts… The VSI library now contains over 500 volumes.” I was very impressed by the VSI volume on Ancient Greece, which I bought a couple of years ago, but the series includes such diverse subjects as Algebra, Buddhist Ethics, Socrates, and The US Congress. Not before time Ageing (spelt with an “e” due to its publication in the UK) has been added to the list, and Nancy Pachana has done a splendid job of writing it. In six chapters (Ageing: a brief history, Physical and biological aspects of ageing, The psychology of ageing, Social and interpersonal aspects of ageing, Positive and successful ageing, and Reflections on ageing and future directions) she gets through a great deal of material. The book is illustrated with a few black and white photos, a very funny Grim Reaper cartoon, figures and tables, has a short but useful index, a page of suggested further reading, five pages of references, and a brief compendium of aging organizations of note. Each chapter is preceded by an appropriate quote, some of them literary, though my own favorite (from Dicky Umfraville in Anthony Powell's Dance to the Music of Time “You know, growing old's like being increasingly penalised for a crime you haven't committed”) didn't quite make the cut. Nevertheless, the author and publisher deserve thanks for doing our field a singular service. For once an academic text is offered at an extremely reasonable price and will be of interest to everyone working with older people, not least students and trainees. Order your copy today!