This single volume comprehensive reference tome on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is now in its sixth edition, having been regenerated five yearly for the past 30 years. Balfour Sartor and William Sandborn have extensively revised it, with a greater focus on basic science and translational areas. Indeed, the first third of the book covering basic science issues is exceptionally good, and would make a superb background primer for investigators setting out in the IBD research field. The clinical sections thoroughly cover the expected areas: diagnosis, including endoscopy, …