‘The Merck Manual of Medical Information--Home Edition’

Dr. Robert Berkow

Editor in chief

Merck & Co.

1,509 pages, $29.95

Consumers today routinely choose to educate themselves regarding their own personal health issues. However, it’s not easy to navigate medical journals and textbooks because of the complex terminology and rigid presentation of information. The new Merck manual recognizes both issues: that consumers demand information that has traditionally been in the doctor’s hands, but that they need the information in a format that is accessible. The Merck manual is a text traditionally written for doctors to describe hundreds of medical conditions. The home edition varies only by presenting the information in plain English. This is a good choice for families that need one solid medical reference book. (It would make a nice wedding gift.) The Merck home edition is available in bookstores or can be ordered by calling (800) 999-3633.