In the preface two axioms are emphasized: Don't Get Behind and Work Lots of Problems. These truths are then supported by a very large number of good problems of varying degrees of difficulty. Some of the more difficult problems are designated by an asterisk. Reinforcement of concepts also supports the above axioms. After concepts are defined, the definitions often are reiterated on subsequent use, and reference is made to the earlier presentation. Problems are then used to reenforce the concept.

This edition of Wade's book retains the functional group approach; however, there are several significant changes from the first edition. Stereochemistry is treated earlier (Chapter 5 rather than Chapter 8), prior to the chemistry of alkenes and alkyl halides. Spectroscopy also receives a more prominent treatment in this edition. IR and MS are treated in Chapter 11, and this is followed by a chapter that is devoted to both carbon and hydrogen NMR. UV is not included with the other spectroscopic tools but is addressed later when conjugated systems are discussed. After the introduction of spectroscopic techniques, problems dealing with spectra are incorporated into the treatment of subsequent functional groups. One of the outstanding features of Wade's books is the excellent spectroscopic tables found in the appendix.

The formal chapter on heterocyclic chemistry has been removed and this material dispersed throughout the text. The chapters on aromatic chemistry include the typical benzanoid aromatics and also polynuclear and hetero aromatic compounds. The approach to aromatic chemistry does an excellent job in the reinforcement of resonance and MO theory that were introduced much earlier. This all encompassing approach to aromatic chemistry does, however, lead to a very brief treatment of benzyne chemistry and also of the addition-elimination mechanism (the Meisenheimer complex is not mentioned by name).

The final three chapters of this text deal with special topics. Bioorganic molecules and polymers are treated. The parallels between these systems and the simpler organic molecules treated earlier are stressed. These chapters reenforce once more such important concepts as hydrogen bonding, acid-base chemistry, stereochemistry, etc.

The study of organic chemistry requires the mastery of a new language. This book introduces a large number of definitions and new terms in the first part of the book. While formal definitions are given and used, Wade has managed to treat these ideas and terms in the everyday language of organic chemistry, making for a more personable treatment of the subject.

The numerous devices to help the student contribute to the user friendliness of this volume include four-color printing, marginal hints to aid in problem solving, key definitions printed in blue and key reactions highlighted by blue check marks, and end-of-chapter reaction summaries. Essential problem-solving skills for each chapter also are summarized before the problems at the end of the chapter. Nucleophiles are printed in blue and electrophiles in green. Finally, curved red arrows are used for "electron pushing" that is stressed throughout this book.

In summary, I feel that Wade has improved and updated an already good organic text. He has not lost sight of his primary reader--the first-year organic student. This book should be considered seriously by anyone teaching a general one-year organic course to chemistry majors and preprofessional students.