In 1986 the first edition of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, edited by R. Gokal, was published. In 1989 the third edition of Peritoneal Dialysis, edited by K.D. Nolph, was published. Both books were widely recognized for their comprehensive discussion of this particular field. Rather than edit new editions of each of these books separately, two of the most prominent figures in this field have decided to combine their knowledge and enthusiasm in this single book: The Textbook of Peritoneal Dialysis. The book is unique in its detailed discussion of a complete range of topics, including new advances in our understanding of the physiology of peritoneal dialysis, peritoneal dialysis kinetics, clinical results and a chapter dealing with the concepts of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. These examples of the dynamic nature of the field further illustrate the importance of this textbook, and make it required reading for everybody working within the field of peritoneal dialysis.