cover image The Body at War

The Body at War

John M. Dwyer. Dutton Books, $18.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-453-00646-0

In a feat comparable to presenting the history of the world in one thin volume, Dwyer, head of the School of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, explains in layman's language how and why our immune system works. In standard medical textbooks this requires several volumes; but by focusing on major concepts, while avoiding the esoteric, the author succeeds in succinctly yet comprehensively covering the field. To assist him in this task are numerous line drawings and diagrams--sometimes, by necessity, complicated--and a skillful, intelligent use of anecdotal material, which brings facts close to home and transforms dull, technical data into informative diversion. Amid the recent flurry of books on immunology, generated in part by interest in the spread of AIDS, Dwyer's humane, authoritative, accessible work is a major accomplishment. (Mar.)