Rook's Textbook of Dermatology

Hailed by reviewers as “a thorough, modern masterpiece” and “the best textbook of dermatology in the world,” and trusted by dermatologists around the world for accurate and comprehensive coverage, this clinical classic is the definitive source of information for all dermatologists. The new edition of this venerable classic extends the standard of excellence to include:

• All-new coverage of cosmetic dermatology and sexually transmitted diseases

• More material on evidence-based dermatology
• Increased coverage of dermoscopy
• More emphasis on therapeutics throughout the set
• More contributions from a greater variety of international experts
• New page design with larger illustrations for more immediate recognition
  

The 8th Edition marks the debut of the online edition of Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, allowing users the fastest possible access to the full range of knowledge on all known dermatological conditions. With fully searchable text and a fully searchable bank of more than 3,300 downloadable images, this online version puts specific information at your fingertips - when and where you need it  - and is free with purchase of the four-volume set. The person-specific access code travels with you, not your computer, so you can check with Rook from any location.

With the online version, you can:

• Search across all four volumes simultaneously
• Search all images separately
• Download images into presentations
• Link directly to references via a range of sources

Rook's Textbook of Dermatology, in print and now online, provides a reliable, constant companion for all dermatologists.

What inspired you to become involved with Rook's Textbook of Dermatology?
Well, Rook's Textbook of Dermatology is iconic in the world of dermatology. To be given the opportunity to edit such a prestigious textbook was something I didn't have to think very long about before accepting.

What do you feel are the reasons for the success of Rook's Textbook of Dermatology over the years?
It was one of the first really comprehensive textbooks of dermatology. It still is comprehensive, and it's written in a very accessible way.

What do you think readers are going to get out of the new edition?
They're going to get up-to-date information on the understanding of disease processes, how to make diagnoses, and also the latest in therapeutics and management of skin disease, all of which have evolved.

This edition has, for the first time, an online version which can also be used on smartphones. How do you think that will that make Rook's Textbook even more useful?
I think it will really make a difference. Rook's Textbook is a heavyweight reference book. It's not something you can easily transport with you and nowadays online access is the way that most of my residents access their information. It's how I increasingly access my information and to have it in that portable accessible manner is very 21st century.

Looking ahead to the future how do you see dermatology evolving?
I believe dermatology will be a mix of medical dermatology, which is using new biologic therapies - for management of psoriasis for instance, and – increasingly - procedural dermatology. By that I mean not just skin cancer surgery, which of course is an increasing part of the dermatologists' workload, but also the inevitable rise of what's known as aesthetic dermatology, or cosmetic dermatology, which will form part of most dermatologists' practice.

What attracted you to dermatology to begin with?
When I first did dermatology as a medical student it was the specialty I found straightforward. I have that ability to pattern recognize which some of my medical student colleagues didn't have. If you can tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema at an early stage, that's probably going to set you on the right path. What I liked was that it's very much a specialty dependent on your own inherent clinical skills and still to this day and age is not that dependent on instrumentation.