Simon Anderson has put a lot of work into this book. He writes clearly, concisely and well. But, does the world need another handbook on gastroenterology?

What is the role of professional books, large or small, nowadays? Down at your local bookshop, Delia Smith will tell you how to make an omelette, Charlie Dimmock how to build that water feature; there's no real alternative. So, in the hospital who will tell you about haemachromatosis? The professional book has always held pride of place as the font of all knowledge. Owning such book gave peace of mind, but this was at a hefty price and that has always been the …