Book excerpt: The Oxford Textbook of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a comprehensive reference text detailing all aspects of plastic surgery pertinent to a surgeon in training for specialisation and suitable to use in preparation for the Intercollegiate Examination as all aspects of the curriculum are covered. It is part of the Oxford Textbooks in Surgery series, edited by Professor Sir Peter Morris. This volume is also the perfect resource for practicing plastic surgeons; summarising contemporary trial knowledge as well as discussing anatomy, examination and techniques. Chapters are divided into those that detail basic principles and technique, and those that, on a regional basis, describe the conditions and their treatments that form the wide spectrum of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. The book is split into 13 comprehensive sections; these include General Principles, Burns, Nerve, Limbs, Facial Trauma, Cosmetic surgery, and Ethics among other key areas in the field. This highly illustrated full colour textbook has an innovative and user-friendly style, including over 1000 photographs, clinical images, and line drawings. Bringing together the expertise of almost 200 specialist contributors in the field, the Oxford Textbook of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a highly valuable source of information.