Choice Review

Part of a new and creative series, "Library in a Book," the goal of which is to provide all the essential research tools needed to begin one's own research in an area. This book supplies a lopsided view of eating disorders, since it is slanted more toward popular weight-related books than it is toward scholarly books and journals. On the other hand, it contains an interesting "chronology of important events" that includes entertaining facts, such as the date when a man was convicted of mail-order charges for selling weight reduction plans based on clients' handwriting samples. It also covers "legal issues relating to eating disorders"--a topic one rarely reads about. Organizations are listed alphabetically with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and a brief description of their purpose and focus. The address for Weight Watchers International is five years out of date. The sections on the history and treatment for obesity, anorexia, and bulimia provide a concise overview of these disorders. Recommended for lower-division undergraduates, community college students, and general readers. -R. Kabatznick, Queens College, CUNY