Why an ENT book specifically for those in General Practice? The time devoted to ENT in the undergraduate curriculum is rather limited when contrasted with the ENT content of a General Practitioner's work. Only a small minority of intending General Practitioners will do a post-registration ENT job. The majority of ENT textbooks presently available are aimed at imparting basic information to medical students or are written for those pursuing a career in ENT. An analysis of patient referrals to ENT departments in Gloucestershire, along with the results of questionnaires used at the annual ENT course for G Ps held in Gloucester, realised the need for this book. The book is problem-orientated, practical and, it is hoped, pro­ vides a useful guide of when to refer, when to treat and how to treat. Detailed anatomy and physiology are covered in the standard texts and are therefore not included here. References are purposefully excluded but content reflects current thinking in the world of otolaryngology. There will obviously be areas of controversy but the views expressed are those commonly held by the majority of my colleagues. The emphasis is on daily practical problems and de­ liberately avoids detail of conditions a GP may only see once or twice in a lifetime of practice. I sincerely hope this book is not only useful to GPs in their handling of everyday ENT problems, but that it also furthers a harmonious relationship between the General Practitioner in the community and the specialist in the hospital.