The new edition of this highly successful textbook is now available in one carefully integrated volume. A strong clinical emphasis is present throughout from the first section of commonly presenting problems through to the section addressing problems shared with a range of other clinical sub-specialties. The therapy of rheumatic diseases has undergone radical change in the last years with new biological therapies as the new evidence for therapies is covered extensively.In order to tackle the question of how these clinical problems arise a well-written beautifully illustrated account is given of fundamental processes of inflamation. This clearly shows that usculoskeletal diseases in the main arise as a combination of gentic, hormonal, environmental an other factors which conspire against the individual.The fourth section deals with the important topic of investigations. Patients with rheumatological disease often suffer a wide variety of complications and this section provides a detailed review of means of assessment.The book also provides a thorough and comprehensive review of the many forms of arthritis and their allied complications, illustrated by many colour photographs. Clinical algorithms are provided throughout to facilitate discussions about management in each of the major forms of arthritis.