Helicobacter pylori is my favourite animal, but even allowing for that I found this monograph (because that is what it really is) a real page turner. If one is honest about it, few medical texts are actually enjoyable to read and ploughing through the so called literature can be hard work. Many books contain a lot of useful facts, but the prose can be turgid and laden with clichés. This issue of the British Medical Bulletin is a shining exception to the rule. Attractively produced by the Royal Society of Medicine Press, it sits easily in the hand and for a paltry £45 the 28 authors will take you on a …