Engel and Pedley's Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook has been eagerly awaited. Its publication now allows initial appraisals, although a work as large as this requires long-term acquaintance for a truly meaningful assessment. It is a monumental accomplishment, and the reader may be forgiven if his/her first reaction to these volumes is similar to that of a unique clinical case—it is hard, at first, to put it in perspective. Epilepsy has been of interest to physicians and patients (and their loved ones) for thousands of years, and is the subject of intense clinical and basic research. The result has been a greater understanding of the medical and psychosocial impact of seizure disorders and of how pathophysiological and psychosocial principles can be brought to bear on treatment. What this textbook provides is a historical and current view of all aspects of seizure disorders: it is unique in its breadth and depth and its editors and contributors are expert in their areas, having provided sound, well-written chapters.