This book offers the reader 11 chapters of topics relevant to public health practice. It is both timely and long overdue to have issues relating to housing and homelessness, environmental health and occupational health all within the same cover. International influences are also explored. This crucial chapter provides an opportunity for the reader to develop a deeper understanding of the economic influences on health. John Middleton’s chapter gives the reader a composite measure of where the director of public health fits into the wider public health challenge. Yvonne Dalziel places the role of the nurse/health visitor in context.