Family Doctor Publications has launched two further books in the Family Doctor series. The books are published in association with the British Medical Association. ‘Understanding hip and knee arthritis surgery' describes how hip and knee joints are made up and how they can be affected by arthritis, investigations and treatment options available and hip and knee replacements. The second new book, ‘Understanding varicose veins', describes the types and functions of leg veins and how some veins become varicose. It also deals with how to control the symptoms of varicose veins, operations for varicose veins and the risks involved and what to expect afterwards. Retail price, £3.50 (Family Doctor Publications, 10 Butchers Row, Banbury, Oxon OX16 8JH. Tel 01295 276627, fax 01295 276626, website www.familydoctor.co.uk).