Book excerpt: The relationship between art, medicine and surgery has always been a fertile source of discussion and debate. This book, like its predecessor Medicine and Art, evolved from a series of articles written by Alan EH Emery on art and medicine in Clinical Medicine, the journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London. In this volume, however, the authors have concentrated their attention on treatment not only in medicine but also in surgery. Each artwork, reproduced in full colour, is accompanied by an essay tracing the history of medicine and surgery from Ancient Egypt to the present day. The essays describe the relevance of each work of art and also details the artists themselves making this book an invaluable resource and a unique treasure trove of information for all who share the authors' love of art, history, medicine and surgery. This beautifully produced book will be a source of amusement and interest for everyone with a passion for art, or a fascination for the development of medicine over the centuries. Within the book are 65 illustrations from many well-known, and less well-known artists and illustrators including works by Susan Macfarlane Toulouse-Lautrec Otto Dix Hans Holbein the Younger Leonardo da Vinci Francesco Goya Hieronymus Bosch, and many more. The eagerly awaited follow-up to Medicine and Art by the same authors. Here is a second installment of intriguing pieces of carefully selected art with meticulously researched commentary - another superbly produced volume to treasure. An ideal gift for a friend or colleague, or simply a delightful addition to your own personal library, Surgical and Medical Treatment in Art will be a treasured and much referenced friend in years to come. Achieved Highly Commended in New Non-Clinical Book category of RSM & Society of Authors Book Awards Winner of Best Illustrated Medical Book and achieved Highly Commended in Basis of Medicine Category, British Medical Association Book Awards BMA Judges Comments: This book has high quality illustrations and production with details on the painting and artist in appropriate context. Helpful resources for further study are given at the back of the book. It's a useful reference point for anyone interested in art and medicine - a beautiful series of essays on art history, which is used to illustrate artists' views of health, healing and treatment, especially using surgery.