The preface to this text, which forms the companion volume to Principles and Practice of Mechanical Ventilation, declares its intent to provide a comprehensive and authoritative compendium of knowledge on intensive care monitoring. Without doubt Martin Tobin has succeeded in this task. It is indeed a massive tome containing over 1500 pages subdivided into 87 chapters, contributed by 129 authors, and covers practically every conceivable aspect of monitoring in the intensive care environment.

The book is generally very well written and, given the number of authors, many of whom are of international renown, shows a commendable level of editorial control. The work is divided by organ system into eight major sections. Individual chapters follow a uniform layout with summaries and are written with an easily readable style, giving the entire work a familiar and comfortable feel. The chapters are indeed comprehensive, ranging from historical review and basic science through practical aspects and . . . [Full text of this article]