Book excerpt: In the new edition of this successful and authoritative book, the thalassaemias are reviewed in detail with respect to their clinical features, cellular pathology, molecular genetics, prevention and treatment. It is aimed at specialists in haematology in the laboratory or clinical setting, particularly in areas where thalassaemia is common either in the native population or in immigrant communities. The fourth edition has been both updated and re-organized. Three new chapters have been added on the link between alpha-thalassaemia and mental retardation, on avoidance and population control and on global epidemiology. Considerable emphasis is placed on molecular pathology reflecting the huge burst of information to have come out of this field in the last few years.