Noncardiac surgery of the mediastinum involves some of the most interesting entities encountered in thoracic surgery. Performed with less frequency than pulmonary and cardiac procedures, mediastinal operations require careful preparation in choice and interpretation of diagnostic studies and operative approach, and are welcome challenges for cardiac surgeons whose daily task is usually less varied. Although standard textbooks on cardiothoracic surgery contain sections on the mediastinum and references on mediastinal pathology, Shields' book, Mediastinal Surgery, is arguably the most detailed and thoughtful compilation to date. Shields not only served as collator and organizer of this material, he wrote or co-authored 17 of the 44 chapters. As a result, a consistency in format characterizes and enhances the work. Although the 36 contributors are derived from among the most experienced thoracic surgeons in North America, there are notable contributions from radiologists, internists, oncologists, immunologists, and pathologists, so that the book is multidisciplinary in