"Topics in X-Ray Spectrometry" (C. Vazquez (Ed.), Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica, 216 pages, ISBN-978-987-1323-04-3)

A very useful XRS booklet has recently been published in Argentina. Seven chapters are contribution of the authors from South America (Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina) and the rest three are from Europe (Austria and Belgium). This booklet could be used as a textbook in tutorial workshops for newcomers to XRS, because it covers a lot of ground ranging from the fundamental aspects of XRS right through to almost all the important applications, as well as providing key knowledge for practical analysis such as sample preparation. In addition, it is full of comprehensive figures, photos and tables that are large enough to view even if one is simply flipping through the pages. The booklet covers not only XRS in general, but also detailed information on TXRF, which has become particularly popular in South America. In the preface, the editor of the book, Professor Cristina Vazquez, comments on the long history of X-rays after their discovery by Roentgen in 1895. Nowadays, X-ray analysis is one of the most widely used scientific tools. Synchrotron sources are available worldwide (except unfortunately in Africa - in South America, one synchrotron is operating in Sao Paulo, Brazil). The publication of such an excellent XRS textbook (as well as the holding of good conferences and tutorial workshops) is significant in preparing the way for the next generation of students so that they too can go on to create history.