The Human Frontal Lobes: Functions and Disorders (Second Edition). 2007. Bruce L. Miller & Jeffrey L. Cummings (Eds.). New York: The Guilford Press, 666 pp., $95.00 (HB)

Miller and Cummings published their original text, The Human Frontal Lobes: Functions and Disorders, in 1999. At that time, their work was quite unique and provided a valuable reference for both health professionals and researchers in the emerging field of the frontal lobes. The years since then have seen an increasing focus on these fascinating brain structures across a range of disciplines including neurosciences, neurology, neuropsychology and psychiatry. The importance of the frontal structures for both cognition and emotion is firmly established and the complexity of these associations continues to challenge those working in these fields. As Miller and Cummings note, due to the major advances that have occurred since they first published their work, their second edition represents not only an update but also an introduction to a range of new issues. In particular, this second edition emphasizes advances in neurosciences and neuroimaging with a substantial amount of new material presented in these areas. In addition, the increasing interest in the role of the frontal lobes in social and emotional function is also acknowledged and discussed.

Recent and relevant.