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‘To whom shall I give my nice new little book polished dry with pumice?’ wrote Catullus - a question authors and editors continue to ask, the world over!
A review of a book of is deep importance to an author, as an acknowledgement of the work, as an expression of hoped-for understanding and, at best, illumination. I am only too aware that BJP can review but a handful of the published titles in the field. So here, in valediction, I would like to salute the books which it has not been possible to review during my watch, as well as those which have, and to honour the effort to clarify and communicate which a book represents. Reviewers for BJP, I have come to recognize, fully understand an author's large endeavour, and give generously of their time to read, write and, not least, submit to the yoke of both word count and editorial amendment.
In a scholarly and clinical journal, a review carries the responsibility of offering, where possible, both a critical, qualitative appraisal and an engaging entree to the title. I've tried to bring about that combination. Now our incoming editor, Poul Rohleder, will bring his own shaping spirit to the task, and I know he will be well assisted in the role. I have met with great patience and kindness from colleagues, and have been particularly supported by Ann Scott, previous reviews editor Liane Aukin, and fellow members of the Editorial Board. My grateful thanks, of course, to all who have written reviews, and to everyone who has given me advice and suggestions along the way. I've enjoyed the post, and hope that something of that pleasure has been reflected in the pages I've worked on for BJP.
Judith Warren