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This substantial single volume is entitled a dictionary but has more of the characteristics of an encyclopaedia. It defines and explains the technical terms used in human neuropsychology. The information contained within it has been presented with accessibility in mind. The principal way into the knowledge contained within it is by key word headings that have been presented alphabetically. There are further cross-references to
related key words and each entry also contains a list of references that guide the seeker to appropriate extended reading. An index enables the reader to search effectively for specific information. The dictionary also contains a set of clear, well produced brain diagrams which are accompanied by clear explanations that are comprehensive, yet also accessible to the reader who is unfamiliar with the field. The advisory editors are outstanding scholars and indeed the list of contributors is equally impressive.
In their preface the editors suggest that the dictionary may be of use to several groups of potential readers, including practising clinical neuropsychologists, academics and researchers in the field as well as those working in related fields and in the care and therapy professions. At first glance I thought this will be of interest to colleagues with a psychology or medical background but may well be too technical for me. As I have delved deeper into the text I have revised my opinion. I have come to value the clarity and conciseness of its shorter definitions and explanations as well as the erudition of some of its extended entries in the areas in which I am particularly interested.
No review could possibly do justice to the breadth of such an undertaking. I can only illustrate its scholarship by referring to a few of the topics covered. ‘Methodological Issues’ gave me a clear understanding of the basic assumptions that underpin research in this field. Most of the articles on various regions of the brain such as that on the hippocampus a