This textbook is an important addition to the field because it will bring the research and clinical community up-to-date on the past, present and future direction for sickle cell disease (SCD) in the context of the Human Genome Project (HGP). There are a limited number of textbooks on SCD that covers the role of the four disciplines required to produce a successful cure of SCD. The volume begins with a history of the early efforts in SCD, the role of the federal government and a review of the HGP. Next, the major progress in clinical care including newborn screening, pain management, stroke, transfusion therapy and the standard of care are discussed. In part 3, readers will be updated on the impact of the HGP in basic research progress in the hemoglobinopathy disorders with a detailed description of gene therapy efforts, including past failures and recent succsses. Finally in part 4, the impact of genetic profiling is explored from the perspective of the African-American community, and the book closes with a global perspective on SCD in Europe and Africa.