Since its debut almost 60 years ago, Harrison's has been the book that medical students and practitioners have turned to for insight into myriad medical topics. The 17th edition of this invaluable text includes a DVD and significantly expanded and updated content. The DVD offers 36 additional chapters, the vast Image Bank, and videos of diagnostic procedures. The 392 chapters of the book itself are organized into 18 parts that focus on different body systems or topics. Colored tabs on the fore-edge identify each part. This edition boasts 40 percent more illustrations and a greater emphasis on global health than the 2004 edition. The inside cover has an index to the useful Patient Management Algorithms found throughout the text. Harrison's has a companion Online Learning Center that offers free quizzes and other learning tools for students and practitioners. The full text of Harrison's is available online via a subscription to McGraw-Hill's AccessMedicine and from other vendors. Advantages of the AccessMedicine version include continual updates, online Grand Rounds, and free podcasts. The work of hundreds of contributors and renowned editors has made the 17th edition of Harrison's outstanding.

Summing Up: Essential. **** All levels.