"Colorectal Surgery: Living Pathology in the Operating Room" is two books in one. First, it is an atlas in the classic definition: each chapter is a two-page spread discussing one case. Functionally, each chapter is a case study with both the surgical and pathological perspectives beautifully rendered and fully explained. Visually, every chapter presents the reader with operative and/or diagnostic photos, and anatomic line drawings by the author. The text, more extensive than in many atlases, provides a concise yet complete operative record: patient history/work up, anatomic anomalies, the procedure itself, pathologic findings, and follow up. Key teaching points emphasize the most important and unique aspects of every case. Residents, fellows, and even seasoned practitioners will gain valuable diagnostic and therapeutic insights from this material. The case study presentation provides an excellent review tool for the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery exam.