A great deal is now known about neurofibromatosis type 1, particularly as a result of the identification of its causative gene by positional cloning. Effective treatments for its resulting cosmetic disfigurement, impaired cognitive performance and even life-threatening malignancy however sadly remain elusive. As Dr Korf remarks in his Foreword; 'this book's cogent and thorough description of neurofibromatosis in children will take its place alongside other major clinical studies of the disorder. (Dr North) has tackled some of the more challenging issues, such as the basis for learning disabilities and the optimal means for early detection of optic gliomas. Her work provides a guide to the clinician and stands as a provocative challenge to the neurofibromatosis research community to further explore the basis of these problems.'