The latest 20th Edition of Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine won the award for a New Edition of an Edited Textbook at the Royal Society of Medicine and Society of Authors 2007 Medical Book Awards. The award citation described the book as 'Beautifully constructed with superb clarity of style - Davidson's continues to provide for students, doctors and other health professionals a sound basis for the practice of medicine.' For over half a century Davidson has informed and educated students, doctors and other health professionals all over the world. The 20th edition of this concise yet comprehensive text lives up to its reputation for providing a rational and easily understood basis for the practice of medicine. Davidson has always linked the pathogenesis of disease with the practice of clinical medicine, serving the needs both of students, who now learn clinical medicine from the start of their course, and of more experienced readers requiring to be brought up-to-date with rapidly advancing medical sciences. The new first section on the 'Principles of Medicine' describes the fundamental mechanisms determining health and disease and includes many examples of relevant clinical problems which bring the medical sciences to life. The second section, the 'Practice of Medicine', covers practice in the medical specialties to MRCP (UK) level and has been thoroughly updated. The book's global perspective has been enhanced by the input of its International Advisory Board and distinguished new authors from outside the UK. There is now a more detailed account of health problems in the developing world. For the benefit of all readers, both SI and non-SI units are now quoted.