Abstract

Those entering the field of transplantation are frequently unaware of the topics historical roots and even of the background on which modern discoveries in tolerance, histocompabatibility antigens, and xenotransplantation are based. A History of Transplantation Immunology is an account, written by one of the founding fathers of the field, of how tissue and organ transplantation has become one of the most successful branches of late 20th century medicine. The book helps place the work of contemporary scientists into its proper context and makes fascinating reading for immunologists in all stages of their career.

• Describes landmarks in immunology and places them in historical context
• Beautifully written by one of the founding fathers of the field
• Portrays the surprising history of events in a colorful and readable manner
• Contains biographical sketches of some of the pioneers
• Illustrates the development of key ideas in immunology--tolerance, graft rejection, and transplantation
• Foreword by Ray Owen

"In 11 chapters he reflects on the field where he played, placing it in the context of what went on before he became a student of transplantation immunology and what has happened since his retirement. Not unlike a transplant recipient, this book is a chimera; in many ways a memoir, it is also a series of scholarly reviews... Any physician, surgeon, or scientist with an interest in transplantation can take pleasure in this book, and for teaching it is a valuable reference." --NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE

"The referencing is excellent. The key papers that have made an impact on transplantation immunology are highlighted, and the comprehensive list of citations is more focused than any electronic search could ever be. This will be an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in the field." --IMMUNOLOGY TODAY

"Students and scholars in the fields of immunology will find this thorough and critical review of the important literature associated with the science of transplantation immunology indispensable... The text is quite thorough, and it includes over 3,000 references associated with its 11 chapters, which even taken alone make the book worth its purchase price to scientists who are actively working in the field." --AMERICAN SCIENTIST

"...Brent has produced a most comprehensive account of its historical development, with the focus mainly on the modern era and often taking us up to recent times. Furthermore, he has done this in both an engaging and erudite style. Only someone who was at the cutting edge of his subject and with a personal knowledge of many of the scientists involved could have synthesized such a mass of interconnected data and ideas into a form that shows great understanding and learning, considerable humanity, and, not least sensitivity... I have obtained so much enjoyment and learned so much from it that I would recommend its purchase immediately." --JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY

"There are a number of features which make this book required reading for all PhD students whose theses touch on any aspect of immunology. It will also appeal to those who have an interest in broadening their understanding of this field... The thoroughness and scholarship of the author are formidable... it is a treasure store of information and insight into a very important area of biology." --JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF LONDON