Printed in U.S.A. PRACTICE OF EPIDEMIOLOGYBOOK REVIEWS Field Epidemiology. Second Edition

ology (1), like the first edition from 1996, is an important contribution to the area of applied epidemiology. In the text, “field epidemiology ” is variously defined as “the practice of [epidemiology] in real time and real place, which in turn involves both science and art ” (1, p. 10), and applies when “the problem is unexpected, a timely response may be demanded, public health epidemiologists must travel to and work in the field to solve the problem, and the extent of the investigation is likely to be limited because of the imperative for timely intervention ” (1, p. 4). This book fills an important niche, particularly in view of the anthrax bioterrorism attacks in September 2001. Considering the resources now being directed toward bioterrorism preparedness, this book is needed, as are additional books and other resources on this topic