During a long and productive career, first in South Africa and more recently in Israel, Professor Kark has contributed as much to the development of a humane and scientific practice of community medicine as anyone. He has been a practical innovator, an integrator of many seemingly disparate trends in the field, and a profound influence on others, both directly and through his students and followers. His has been a strong, clear voice to many around the world who have found the techniques and attitudes of traditional clinical medicine inadequate to the imperative of improved public health.
I, therefore, approached his new book with some caution: it might not measure up to expectations. You may rest easy. In the ways that are most important, this is an outstanding book and a fine testament to an extraordinary professional and academic life.
The book will probably not be much of a success as