A timely book with the public health agenda having such a high profile. It includes chapters on economic evaluation, information systems and an introduction to a social model of health. The 'nursing element' section covers communicable diseases, community development and public health in primary care. It makes a strong argument against a medical model and emphasises the need to concentrate on population-based public health. Evidence-based practice is emphasised throughout the book and the challenge of achieving this is not underestimated.