Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Very basic and not worth the money, 26 Nov 2008
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology to go along with a Diploma in Swedish Massage and I was told that this was the best book to buy to give me the necessary information to complete my assignments. It's very easy to use but it is very basic information and does not go into enough detail in most places. I had to go and buy other books to get the level of detail that I needed, as did every other person on my course. I wouldn't recommend to buy this book as I don't think it's worth the money and just use a library copy if you really need it.

Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy, 31 May 2008
I've owned this book since my first year of nurse training in 1998. Ten years later and having been qualified for 7 years, it's still in regular use. I recently did my Acute Care Foundation Course for emergency nursing, and out it came yet again. It's easy to understand and logical. Each body system is covered separately, starting with the biology theory and moving on to talk about diseases which can affect that particular system. For anyone who wants to learn about human biology who doesn't like jargon and wants things explained to them in plain English, this book is essential.

Buy this book!, 14 Jul 2007
All nursing and medically allied students should buy this book as it gives clear and consise information into disease, illnesses, causes and treatment.

Also gives a precise and clear anatomy and physiological breakdown.

Essential for begginners to nursing, 18 Mar 2005
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor, 05 Nov 2004
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Very basic and not worth the money, 26 Nov 2008
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology to go along with a Diploma in Swedish Massage and I was told that this was the best book to buy to give me the necessary information to complete my assignments. It's very easy to use but it is very basic information and does not go into enough detail in most places. I had to go and buy other books to get the level of detail that I needed, as did every other person on my course. I wouldn't recommend to buy this book as I don't think it's worth the money and just use a library copy if you really need it.

Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy, 31 May 2008
I've owned this book since my first year of nurse training in 1998. Ten years later and having been qualified for 7 years, it's still in regular use. I recently did my Acute Care Foundation Course for emergency nursing, and out it came yet again. It's easy to understand and logical. Each body system is covered separately, starting with the biology theory and moving on to talk about diseases which can affect that particular system. For anyone who wants to learn about human biology who doesn't like jargon and wants things explained to them in plain English, this book is essential.

Buy this book!, 14 Jul 2007
All nursing and medically allied students should buy this book as it gives clear and consise information into disease, illnesses, causes and treatment.

Also gives a precise and clear anatomy and physiological breakdown.

Essential for begginners to nursing, 18 Mar 2005
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor, 05 Nov 2004
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

not bad... but, 30 Aug 2008
this is a great, well organised textbook... a very good aid to learning. the only problem is, there's a factual mistake on every other page! all anatomy textbooks have mistakes, due to rushing the books through editing, but gray's is especially bad! make sure you buy another book if you want to gain a more accurate knowledge and read about topics from a number of different authors

Henry would have loved it I'm sure!, 03 Jan 2008
This is a very well presented book whose bright colours keep you awake just that little bit longer.

There are idiosyncrasies such as in some places it ventures off in to physiology and forgets the very anatomy that the book is based on but if you are a medical or physio student you will have great fun spotting these and working out what is missing... maybe! Physio students may want to add Levengie & Norkin 'Joint Structure and Function' to it to allow a flawless understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

I have used various anatomy and physiology books and this is by far the best one. This book, when used with Ganong Medical physiology, is the easiest way to achieve great Anat and Phys marks. This book also makes regular and, importantly, relevant references to clinical implications of anatomy to keep the reader focused.

Lost a mark as I would have like to see more biomechanical / joint force info in there.



The key to my success!, 28 Jun 2007
This book is wonderful i cannot praise it enough!

When i started med school i was told to buy clinically orientated anatomy (Moore and Dally) i struggled using this for the whole of my first year, and just before the exams i happened to glance at someone elses copy of Gray's and immediately ran out and bought it.

Topics that had baffled and evaded me all year became clear in an instant- the diagrams are that good! The explanations are more concise and not so waffly. The text is larger, so for me was much less intimidating. I will admit that the text is not as detailed as Moore and Dally, but for me this was a bonus, as i felt it was actually within my grasp, rather than just completely blowing me away!

Finally it is interesting that Birmingham University now reccomend this to their first year medics instead of Moore and Dally which they had used for many years. Also I'm pleased to say that having abandoned Moore and Dally, i aced my second year exams!!!

great for visual learners, 28 Jun 2007
As has been mentioned previously, Gray's Anatomy for Students has amazing illustrations. If you prefer to learn from pictures rather than descriptions this is the anatomy book for you. It very clearly illustrates relationships between structures and has multiple views of each area.

A must have.

Worth every penny!, 03 Feb 2007
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a medical student in Italy, and I used it for my Anatomy part 2 exam. I wish I had discovered it sooner!
Clear, simple, great pictures. I didn't use it alone because it lacks info sometimes, but it was great for understanding (really gorgeous pictures) and reviewing.
I strongly suggest it.

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Very basic and not worth the money, 26 Nov 2008
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology to go along with a Diploma in Swedish Massage and I was told that this was the best book to buy to give me the necessary information to complete my assignments. It's very easy to use but it is very basic information and does not go into enough detail in most places. I had to go and buy other books to get the level of detail that I needed, as did every other person on my course. I wouldn't recommend to buy this book as I don't think it's worth the money and just use a library copy if you really need it.

Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy, 31 May 2008
I've owned this book since my first year of nurse training in 1998. Ten years later and having been qualified for 7 years, it's still in regular use. I recently did my Acute Care Foundation Course for emergency nursing, and out it came yet again. It's easy to understand and logical. Each body system is covered separately, starting with the biology theory and moving on to talk about diseases which can affect that particular system. For anyone who wants to learn about human biology who doesn't like jargon and wants things explained to them in plain English, this book is essential.

Buy this book!, 14 Jul 2007
All nursing and medically allied students should buy this book as it gives clear and consise information into disease, illnesses, causes and treatment.

Also gives a precise and clear anatomy and physiological breakdown.

Essential for begginners to nursing, 18 Mar 2005
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor, 05 Nov 2004
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

not bad... but, 30 Aug 2008
this is a great, well organised textbook... a very good aid to learning. the only problem is, there's a factual mistake on every other page! all anatomy textbooks have mistakes, due to rushing the books through editing, but gray's is especially bad! make sure you buy another book if you want to gain a more accurate knowledge and read about topics from a number of different authors

Henry would have loved it I'm sure!, 03 Jan 2008
This is a very well presented book whose bright colours keep you awake just that little bit longer.

There are idiosyncrasies such as in some places it ventures off in to physiology and forgets the very anatomy that the book is based on but if you are a medical or physio student you will have great fun spotting these and working out what is missing... maybe! Physio students may want to add Levengie & Norkin 'Joint Structure and Function' to it to allow a flawless understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

I have used various anatomy and physiology books and this is by far the best one. This book, when used with Ganong Medical physiology, is the easiest way to achieve great Anat and Phys marks. This book also makes regular and, importantly, relevant references to clinical implications of anatomy to keep the reader focused.

Lost a mark as I would have like to see more biomechanical / joint force info in there.



The key to my success!, 28 Jun 2007
This book is wonderful i cannot praise it enough!

When i started med school i was told to buy clinically orientated anatomy (Moore and Dally) i struggled using this for the whole of my first year, and just before the exams i happened to glance at someone elses copy of Gray's and immediately ran out and bought it.

Topics that had baffled and evaded me all year became clear in an instant- the diagrams are that good! The explanations are more concise and not so waffly. The text is larger, so for me was much less intimidating. I will admit that the text is not as detailed as Moore and Dally, but for me this was a bonus, as i felt it was actually within my grasp, rather than just completely blowing me away!

Finally it is interesting that Birmingham University now reccomend this to their first year medics instead of Moore and Dally which they had used for many years. Also I'm pleased to say that having abandoned Moore and Dally, i aced my second year exams!!!

great for visual learners, 28 Jun 2007
As has been mentioned previously, Gray's Anatomy for Students has amazing illustrations. If you prefer to learn from pictures rather than descriptions this is the anatomy book for you. It very clearly illustrates relationships between structures and has multiple views of each area.

A must have.

Worth every penny!, 03 Feb 2007
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a medical student in Italy, and I used it for my Anatomy part 2 exam. I wish I had discovered it sooner!
Clear, simple, great pictures. I didn't use it alone because it lacks info sometimes, but it was great for understanding (really gorgeous pictures) and reviewing.
I strongly suggest it.

Good but not great, 26 Oct 2008
The chart is very clear and really detailed, brilliant value for the price. However, my one criticism is that there is so much info packed onto this poster that it is sometimes not 100% clear. Brilliant for learning the names of muscles but not so good if you need to see specific sites of attatchment etc. If they'd spread the info over 2, or even 4, posters I would happily have bought them all, and having subsequently seen how brilliant the Chartex posters are I am a little disappointed. If you're short of wall space this is a perfect solution but for more detail go for the Chartex posters.

Wanna learn Musculature?, 31 May 2008
Me = Medical student, and this anatomy poster really hit the standard for me. I thoroughly recommend the Anatomical Chart Company's posters, which are very high print quality, at full anatomical detail (and split into layers such as muscular, skeletal and visceral). It's by Lippencott, so if you're a medic, nurse or someone who just really wants to know anatomy (as well as looking uber-clever with such posters up in your room) this is what you want. The print is clearly labelled, using standard anatomical terminology (no wierd latin), and is in full english (I bought another anatomy poster via Amazon which was a quarter English :-( ). Text is clear in relation to muscle systems and side portions look at posterior abdo wall, and hands/feet too.

The price is decent considering what you're getting, and the multiple views you get are really good. Happy customer, and more importantly, happy medical student! :-)

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Very basic and not worth the money, 26 Nov 2008
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology to go along with a Diploma in Swedish Massage and I was told that this was the best book to buy to give me the necessary information to complete my assignments. It's very easy to use but it is very basic information and does not go into enough detail in most places. I had to go and buy other books to get the level of detail that I needed, as did every other person on my course. I wouldn't recommend to buy this book as I don't think it's worth the money and just use a library copy if you really need it.

Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy, 31 May 2008
I've owned this book since my first year of nurse training in 1998. Ten years later and having been qualified for 7 years, it's still in regular use. I recently did my Acute Care Foundation Course for emergency nursing, and out it came yet again. It's easy to understand and logical. Each body system is covered separately, starting with the biology theory and moving on to talk about diseases which can affect that particular system. For anyone who wants to learn about human biology who doesn't like jargon and wants things explained to them in plain English, this book is essential.

Buy this book!, 14 Jul 2007
All nursing and medically allied students should buy this book as it gives clear and consise information into disease, illnesses, causes and treatment.

Also gives a precise and clear anatomy and physiological breakdown.

Essential for begginners to nursing, 18 Mar 2005
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor, 05 Nov 2004
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

not bad... but, 30 Aug 2008
this is a great, well organised textbook... a very good aid to learning. the only problem is, there's a factual mistake on every other page! all anatomy textbooks have mistakes, due to rushing the books through editing, but gray's is especially bad! make sure you buy another book if you want to gain a more accurate knowledge and read about topics from a number of different authors

Henry would have loved it I'm sure!, 03 Jan 2008
This is a very well presented book whose bright colours keep you awake just that little bit longer.

There are idiosyncrasies such as in some places it ventures off in to physiology and forgets the very anatomy that the book is based on but if you are a medical or physio student you will have great fun spotting these and working out what is missing... maybe! Physio students may want to add Levengie & Norkin 'Joint Structure and Function' to it to allow a flawless understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

I have used various anatomy and physiology books and this is by far the best one. This book, when used with Ganong Medical physiology, is the easiest way to achieve great Anat and Phys marks. This book also makes regular and, importantly, relevant references to clinical implications of anatomy to keep the reader focused.

Lost a mark as I would have like to see more biomechanical / joint force info in there.



The key to my success!, 28 Jun 2007
This book is wonderful i cannot praise it enough!

When i started med school i was told to buy clinically orientated anatomy (Moore and Dally) i struggled using this for the whole of my first year, and just before the exams i happened to glance at someone elses copy of Gray's and immediately ran out and bought it.

Topics that had baffled and evaded me all year became clear in an instant- the diagrams are that good! The explanations are more concise and not so waffly. The text is larger, so for me was much less intimidating. I will admit that the text is not as detailed as Moore and Dally, but for me this was a bonus, as i felt it was actually within my grasp, rather than just completely blowing me away!

Finally it is interesting that Birmingham University now reccomend this to their first year medics instead of Moore and Dally which they had used for many years. Also I'm pleased to say that having abandoned Moore and Dally, i aced my second year exams!!!

great for visual learners, 28 Jun 2007
As has been mentioned previously, Gray's Anatomy for Students has amazing illustrations. If you prefer to learn from pictures rather than descriptions this is the anatomy book for you. It very clearly illustrates relationships between structures and has multiple views of each area.

A must have.

Worth every penny!, 03 Feb 2007
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a medical student in Italy, and I used it for my Anatomy part 2 exam. I wish I had discovered it sooner!
Clear, simple, great pictures. I didn't use it alone because it lacks info sometimes, but it was great for understanding (really gorgeous pictures) and reviewing.
I strongly suggest it.

Good but not great, 26 Oct 2008
The chart is very clear and really detailed, brilliant value for the price. However, my one criticism is that there is so much info packed onto this poster that it is sometimes not 100% clear. Brilliant for learning the names of muscles but not so good if you need to see specific sites of attatchment etc. If they'd spread the info over 2, or even 4, posters I would happily have bought them all, and having subsequently seen how brilliant the Chartex posters are I am a little disappointed. If you're short of wall space this is a perfect solution but for more detail go for the Chartex posters.

Wanna learn Musculature?, 31 May 2008
Me = Medical student, and this anatomy poster really hit the standard for me. I thoroughly recommend the Anatomical Chart Company's posters, which are very high print quality, at full anatomical detail (and split into layers such as muscular, skeletal and visceral). It's by Lippencott, so if you're a medic, nurse or someone who just really wants to know anatomy (as well as looking uber-clever with such posters up in your room) this is what you want. The print is clearly labelled, using standard anatomical terminology (no wierd latin), and is in full english (I bought another anatomy poster via Amazon which was a quarter English :-( ). Text is clear in relation to muscle systems and side portions look at posterior abdo wall, and hands/feet too.

The price is decent considering what you're getting, and the multiple views you get are really good. Happy customer, and more importantly, happy medical student! :-)

awesome not a gimmick its awesome, 19 Jul 2008
My husband a dentist bought this book in 1994/5 the second edition and I use it now (he only coloured in the head) I am studying medicine and this book is awesome, the reason being I have a pictorial memory and by learning by colouring it has helped tremendously, in addition it is great when you are running out of time and the table at the back is invaluable giving you a breakdown of the muscle and the nerve supply and root value, I would definitely recommend getting this book for any medical student, I used this book as main core knowledge and built on it its a great starting block, I have limited spacial awareness and the way this books layers each muscle group is a real asset, it separates muscles groups into logical orders making them easier to remember. Given the fact that we learnt from prosection I honestly found this book a valuable asset. I photocopied the pages after colouring it in stuck it in a plastic wallet and took it in to the dissecting room that was a huge benefit as it helps you to learn quickly what you are looking at and it doesn't take much prep time worth every single penny!!! When Paul told me about the book in 1994 and I never of course needed it I thought aye right Paul its a gimmick you'll waste time, well now I need it, it really isn't a gimmick its awesome.

Fantastic teaching Aid!, 20 Feb 2008
I have been teaching Anatomy & Physiology for many years and this book is the best for; visual learning, physical, in the colouring aspect,in addition to supporting the auditory lecture. A fun yet infomative and effective method to reach all learning styles. A great asset to teaching!

A great resource for learning anatomy, 03 Aug 2007
Having just completed the first year of a medical degree, I can vouch for the usefulness of this anatomy colouring book. While I might have felt like my education had regressed somewhat after hours spent colouring in, this really is an excellent way to learn.

The diagrams are so clear and well laid-out that I ended up cutting out the pages and using them as an integral part of my notes. The page on the peritoneal sac was literally the clearest explanation I've seen anywhere. But as well as that, the actual process of putting coloured pencil to paper means that they stick in your head far better than a diagram you've just stared at in a book. It's a welcome (and often therapeutic!) respite from reading/writing notes, and the challenge of a different way of learning really makes the massive memory task of anatomy much easier.

However, as others have said, it's by no means sufficient on its own as a way to study anatomy. Perhaps its greatest weakness is that it's organised systemically, ie muscles/bones/nerves/blood vessels etc. This is an approach that's more useful when it comes to learning the muscles and bones, but it gives barely any indication of the relations to other structures - something that's essential to learn especially in a medical degree, and which my course particularly focussed on. This also means that details such as nerve/blood supply to muscles is rather weak. As well as that, the more 'physiological' pages (eg the immune system) are much more messily drawn and less clearly set out.

However, in conjunction with other resources and used alongside a more detailed anatomy course, this is a very useful book, and one which made learning anatomy much easier.

Fab book for revision, 25 Apr 2007
I brought this book half way through my first year of Physiotherapy, and found it so helpful, especially for revising musculoskeletal as it helped me put all the muscles into place, along with revising the bones and joints. It also has the nervous system and respiratory anatomy so it has been a very good buy, and ive recommended it to all my friends!
Learning while colouring sounded a brilliant option to me!


Good as learning aid or for revision., 30 Jan 2006
For various reasons I decided to revise my anatomy this year after a break of 24 years and bought this book for entertainment purposes.

In 1982 this book was in its first edition and I remember considering purchasing it, but everyone bought Snell and I wasn't prepared to take the risk. In the end I ended up learning anatomy by drawing my own diagrams so this book would have probably come in handy.

The diagrams are clear and the process of colouring-in key elements helps with learning. However the textual information is superficial and the body's components are not integrated together.

I think this book is well placed if you want to use visual imagery to learn anatomy or if you need a revision aid. However you will need other sources if you want to learn gross anatomy in detail from scratch.

Opinion dressed up as science, 21 Oct 2008
Sue Gerhardt's style of argument can be summed up as follows. Some of the people with problem A also have B. One possible explanation for B is C. C might be linked to experiences in early years. Therefore problem A is caused by not being loved enough as a baby. This is used to explain every problem from asthma to unemployment.

Starting with the simple and uncontroversial point that babies who are cared for tend to do better than babies who are not, Sue Gerhardt's obsession with her view of how mothers should behave towards babies distorts everything from then on. She only quotes bits of scientific studies that she can use to support her ideas, ignoring contradictory evidence even if it is in the same studies she quotes. She hardly ever considers any alternative explanation than her own and even on the rare occasions she does raise a doubt, she dismisses it simply because it doesn't fit with her view of the world.

Some scientific studies quoted in the book have only the most tenuous connection to the paragraphs preceding them and seem only to have been included to pad out the references page and create the impression that this book has some basis in science. Her `case studies' sound more like excerpts from trashy novels than scientific studies. I think Sue Gerhardt's approach to proper research is typified by the fact that she feels qualified to make judgements about the families of the killers of James Bulger based on what she had read in the newspapers.

Most people I know who have started this book haven't even been able to finish it because they have been so appalled by the sweeping generalisations, stereotyped views and idiotic conclusions. If you want to read a book about child rearing, read one based on evidence rather than this collection of opinions written by a women who doesn't even appear to understand the science she is quoting.


Why love matters is a conversation starter, 10 Mar 2008
Taking the book with me on the bus or at the Waitrose checkout or at the barbers shop or Sussex University its title attracts attention. In the brief encounters which follow I enjoy speaking to parents whose infants obviously enjoy what's going on with the adults. I'm able to affirm that the love care and attention they give the child in those early years do make a difference and will set her up for life. To older people, and I am elderly, I speak of the 'forgiving space' that Sue Gerhart gives me in which to understand my chequered life. As Kierkegaard said 'Life must be lived foward, but it can only be understood backwards.'

An eye opener, 22 Jan 2008
I'm expecting my first baby in Feb-2008. I was looking for books about babies psychology, it's true that there are many things you know by instinct but many others are part of medical research, also important to consider.
I read the reviews of this book and that made me buy it immediately!. I loved it since the beginning, although it gives lots of technical info in the first chapters,I found it important as well, to understand in depth the rest of the book.
It's a great eye opener for all parents, parents to be, teachers and everyone in general, interested to understand babies and human behaviour... to improve our lives and the lifes of our loved ones.
100% recommended.

Rock solid scientific evidence and easy-to-folllow advice, 20 Dec 2007
The book is great. It presents many scientific data without being boring or worse incomprehensible for lay-people and it gives plenty of good advice. I myself have a four month old son and I have greatly profited from the book. Many parents who come to visit my wife and me find my son sociable, smiling and happy. In my opinion this book is a must for parents and people who work in nurseries and in general with newborns and small children.

Little bit too technical, 04 Sep 2007
I thought this book was good but I found it difficult to read because of all the references to brain chemistry. It is interesting to know how your behaviour towards your baby affects their development, and how it occurs in the brain, but I found there was too much focus on this and not enough focus on how to love your baby in the right way. A lot of people have said it should be a recommended book for all new parents, but I think the 'average' parent would struggle to understand most of the terminology in the book. However, I do feel more knowledgeable now I have read it and will never leave my baby to cry for prolonged periods due to what the book has told me, and now I love my baby as much as I can during the day and I do feel she benefits from it, she is a really happy baby. Perhaps a watered down version of this book should be available to new parents.

In a word: Essential, 24 Oct 2008
As the review title says, this is an essential reference tome for any bodybuilder's bookshelf. Unlike most other bodybuilding books, this one doesn't feature photographs of famous people, with physiques the typical reader is unlikely to ever achieve, competing at this-or-that competition. Nor are there are suggestions for workout routines, nutrition etc.
Therein lies much of its appeal. Delavier instead gives us detailed anatomical drawings, much like you might find in a medical textbook, and I imagine this broadens its appeal to include those sports people who view weight training as an adjunct to their other training rather than as an end in itself. Additionally, there are a number of sections dealing with particular (one assumes commonly occuring) injuries, which make for interesting reading.
Admittedly, there are a number of exercises I'd like to have seen included in the book, and a few I don't think warrant inclusion, but I'm still unreservedly giving it five stars as I find it a unique publication for this field.

==Lots of Strengths==, 17 Sep 2008
With over 450,000 copies sold, this book is arguably the best book of its kind. What's it useful for? Mainly to help the reader (from the weekend athlete to the athletic trainer to the professional bodybuilder) figure out what exercises work what muscles.

It's neatly divided up into sections (arms, shoulders, chest, back, etc.), so all you really have to do is flip to one of these sections and it will have detailed pictures of various exercises and exactly which muscles are involved.

A great reference to keep have around, I give it five stars easy. Readers who lift weights regularly might also be interested Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff to avoid shoulder problems a lot of lifters eventually get.


Excellent!!!, 24 Aug 2008
This book really is as good as they say. The illustrations are superb and make it a worthwhile read just to appreciate the anatomy of the human body, but more importantly of course to understand what happens to which muscles during strength training.

The little sections explaining common injuries and how to avoid them are also a great benefit.

Highly recommended.

A great reference, 04 Aug 2008
Strength Training Anatomy is set out in a style that is very easy to read, each chapter detailing a new body part and within it a detailed list of some of the more popular exercises and how to perform them. By saying popular, I really mean the more traditional exercises using fixed resistance machines, dumbells and barbells. My POV is that it is very much old school - you can tell that by the illustrations of the guy in the 80's striped bodybuilding pants. If you are looking for educational material on functional strength and core strength which is very much in vogue and correctly so, then this book is not perhaps what you are looking for. Instead I would highly recommend this book as a text book and point of reference for all practitioners that prescribe exercise routines and those that are learnig about the anatomy of the skeletal and muscular systems. Other interested exercise enthusiasts will get a great foundation knowledge on the traditional exercises to learn.

Fantastic!, 07 Jul 2008
I've had this for over a year, I bought it after reading reviews on Amazon. I continue refer to this book time after time! My mate spent so much time looking at my copy that he had to get his own copy in the end! Not really sure how they could improve on this book...maybe add some nutritional info, but that's not really what this book is about. Whether building muscle, toning, or just keeping fit, this book covers the muscle biology of all the muscle groups in fantastic detail. You wont look at the human body in the same way again! Buy it, you wont regret it!

Very basic and not worth the money, 26 Nov 2008
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology to go along with a Diploma in Swedish Massage and I was told that this was the best book to buy to give me the necessary information to complete my assignments. It's very easy to use but it is very basic information and does not go into enough detail in most places. I had to go and buy other books to get the level of detail that I needed, as did every other person on my course. I wouldn't recommend to buy this book as I don't think it's worth the money and just use a library copy if you really need it.

Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy, 31 May 2008
I've owned this book since my first year of nurse training in 1998. Ten years later and having been qualified for 7 years, it's still in regular use. I recently did my Acute Care Foundation Course for emergency nursing, and out it came yet again. It's easy to understand and logical. Each body system is covered separately, starting with the biology theory and moving on to talk about diseases which can affect that particular system. For anyone who wants to learn about human biology who doesn't like jargon and wants things explained to them in plain English, this book is essential.

Buy this book!, 14 Jul 2007
All nursing and medically allied students should buy this book as it gives clear and consise information into disease, illnesses, causes and treatment.

Also gives a precise and clear anatomy and physiological breakdown.

Essential for begginners to nursing, 18 Mar 2005
Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness is easy to follow, uses simple language and presents clear diagrams. It is essential for getting to grips with the fundimental basics of anatomy and physiology. This text is a must for nursing students as many diploma courses recommend its use for self directed study.

Comments from a tutor, 05 Nov 2004
I am a teacher of Anatomy, Physiology and Holistic Massage and I recommend this book to my students. It contains a little more informattion than students need for level 3 ITEC A & P but this is a good thing! The explanations, illustrations and diagrams are presented in a clear and consise manner making learning easier. I only wish it came on CD rom! It is well worth the money.

not bad... but, 30 Aug 2008
this is a great, well organised textbook... a very good aid to learning. the only problem is, there's a factual mistake on every other page! all anatomy textbooks have mistakes, due to rushing the books through editing, but gray's is especially bad! make sure you buy another book if you want to gain a more accurate knowledge and read about topics from a number of different authors

Henry would have loved it I'm sure!, 03 Jan 2008
This is a very well presented book whose bright colours keep you awake just that little bit longer.

There are idiosyncrasies such as in some places it ventures off in to physiology and forgets the very anatomy that the book is based on but if you are a medical or physio student you will have great fun spotting these and working out what is missing... maybe! Physio students may want to add Levengie & Norkin 'Joint Structure and Function' to it to allow a flawless understanding of the musculoskeletal system.

I have used various anatomy and physiology books and this is by far the best one. This book, when used with Ganong Medical physiology, is the easiest way to achieve great Anat and Phys marks. This book also makes regular and, importantly, relevant references to clinical implications of anatomy to keep the reader focused.

Lost a mark as I would have like to see more biomechanical / joint force info in there.



The key to my success!, 28 Jun 2007
This book is wonderful i cannot praise it enough!

When i started med school i was told to buy clinically orientated anatomy (Moore and Dally) i struggled using this for the whole of my first year, and just before the exams i happened to glance at someone elses copy of Gray's and immediately ran out and bought it.

Topics that had baffled and evaded me all year became clear in an instant- the diagrams are that good! The explanations are more concise and not so waffly. The text is larger, so for me was much less intimidating. I will admit that the text is not as detailed as Moore and Dally, but for me this was a bonus, as i felt it was actually within my grasp, rather than just completely blowing me away!

Finally it is interesting that Birmingham University now reccomend this to their first year medics instead of Moore and Dally which they had used for many years. Also I'm pleased to say that having abandoned Moore and Dally, i aced my second year exams!!!

great for visual learners, 28 Jun 2007
As has been mentioned previously, Gray's Anatomy for Students has amazing illustrations. If you prefer to learn from pictures rather than descriptions this is the anatomy book for you. It very clearly illustrates relationships between structures and has multiple views of each area.

A must have.

Worth every penny!, 03 Feb 2007
I enjoyed this book very much. I am a medical student in Italy, and I used it for my Anatomy part 2 exam. I wish I had discovered it sooner!
Clear, simple, great pictures. I didn't use it alone because it lacks info sometimes, but it was great for understanding (really gorgeous pictures) and reviewing.
I strongly suggest it.

Good but not great, 26 Oct 2008
The chart is very clear and really detailed, brilliant value for the price. However, my one criticism is that there is so much info packed onto this poster that it is sometimes not 100% clear. Brilliant for learning the names of muscles but not so good if you need to see specific sites of attatchment etc. If they'd spread the info over 2, or even 4, posters I would happily have bought them all, and having subsequently seen how brilliant the Chartex posters are I am a little disappointed. If you're short of wall space this is a perfect solution but for more detail go for the Chartex posters.

Wanna learn Musculature?, 31 May 2008
Me = Medical student, and this anatomy poster really hit the standard for me. I thoroughly recommend the Anatomical Chart Company's posters, which are very high print quality, at full anatomical detail (and split into layers such as muscular, skeletal and visceral). It's by Lippencott, so if you're a medic, nurse or someone who just really wants to know anatomy (as well as looking uber-clever with such posters up in your room) this is what you want. The print is clearly labelled, using standard anatomical terminology (no wierd latin), and is in full english (I bought another anatomy poster via Amazon which was a quarter English :-( ). Text is clear in relation to muscle systems and side portions look at posterior abdo wall, and hands/feet too.

The price is decent considering what you're getting, and the multiple views you get are really good. Happy customer, and more importantly, happy medical student! :-)

awesome not a gimmick its awesome, 19 Jul 2008
My husband a dentist bought this book in 1994/5 the second edition and I use it now (he only coloured in the head) I am studying medicine and this book is awesome, the reason being I have a pictorial memory and by learning by colouring it has helped tremendously, in addition it is great when you are running out of time and the table at the back is invaluable giving you a breakdown of the muscle and the nerve supply and root value, I would definitely recommend getting this book for any medical student, I used this book as main core knowledge and built on it its a great starting block, I have limited spacial awareness and the way this books layers each muscle group is a real asset, it separates muscles groups into logical orders making them easier to remember. Given the fact that we learnt from prosection I honestly found this book a valuable asset. I photocopied the pages after colouring it in stuck it in a plastic wallet and took it in to the dissecting room that was a huge benefit as it helps you to learn quickly what you are looking at and it doesn't take much prep time worth every single penny!!! When Paul told me about the book in 1994 and I never of course needed it I thought aye right Paul its a gimmick you'll waste time, well now I need it, it really isn't a gimmick its awesome.

Fantastic teaching Aid!, 20 Feb 2008
I have been teaching Anatomy & Physiology for many years and this book is the best for; visual learning, physical, in the colouring aspect,in addition to supporting the auditory lecture. A fun yet infomative and effective method to reach all learning styles. A great asset to teaching!

A great resource for learning anatomy, 03 Aug 2007
Having just completed the first year of a medical degree, I can vouch for the usefulness of this anatomy colouring book. While I might have felt like my education had regressed somewhat after hours spent colouring in, this really is an excellent way to learn.

The diagrams are so clear and well laid-out that I ended up cutting out the pages and using them as an integral part of my notes. The page on the peritoneal sac was literally the clearest explanation I've seen anywhere. But as well as that, the actual process of putting coloured pencil to paper means that they stick in your head far better than a diagram you've just stared at in a book. It's a welcome (and often therapeutic!) respite from reading/writing notes, and the challenge of a different way of learning really makes the massive memory task of anatomy much easier.

However, as others have said, it's by no means sufficient on its own as a way to study anatomy. Perhaps its greatest weakness is that it's organised systemically, ie muscles/bones/nerves/blood vessels etc. This is an approach that's more useful when it comes to learning the muscles and bones, but it gives barely any indication of the relations to other structures - something that's essential to learn especially in a medical degree, and which my course particularly focussed on. This also means that details such as nerve/blood supply to muscles is rather weak. As well as that, the more 'physiological' pages (eg the immune system) are much more messily drawn and less clearly set out.

However, in conjunction with other resources and used alongside a more detailed anatomy course, this is a very useful book, and one which made learning anatomy much easier.

Fab book for revision, 25 Apr 2007
I brought this book half way through my first year of Physiotherapy, and found it so helpful, especially for revising musculoskeletal as it helped me put all the muscles into place, along with revising the bones and joints. It also has the nervous system and respiratory anatomy so it has been a very good buy, and ive recommended it to all my friends!
Learning while colouring sounded a brilliant option to me!


Good as learning aid or for revision., 30 Jan 2006
For various reasons I decided to revise my anatomy this year after a break of 24 years and bought this book for entertainment purposes.

In 1982 this book was in its first edition and I remembe