Book excerpt: ​This pocket manual is a quick-reference handbook for general thoracic surgery. It is organized into 9 chapters providing a concise, yet inclusive list of the most common pathologies seen in thoracic surgery: pre-operative evaluation, peri-operative care, lungs and airways (divided into 3 separate sections to cover the vast number of topics), pleural disorders, mediastinal disorders, chest wall disorders, thoracic trauma, and benign and malignant esophageal disorders. The content of each chapter was specifically structured to make the handbook a high-yield reference that includes numerous management algorithms, flow diagrams, tables and images. Unlike a comprehensive textbook, paragraphs are kept at a minimum and the written material is presented using lists and bullet points to facilitate learning and retention. More importantly, the content is evidence-based and highlights the various controversies in the field. The Pocket Manual of General Thoracic Surgery is an irreplaceable educational tool amongst trainees and practicing physicians.