The operation for inguinal hernia is one of the most common throughout the world and some form of the Bassini method is usually used, although rarely in its original form. Some step of refinement is nearly always missed out. There are several reasons for this, including the very few copies available of Bassini's original publication. In this highly-illustrated volume, Chinaglia, the last pupil of one of Bassini's best pupils, Penzo, takes us through the operation step-by-step, explaining in depth every last detail. It is a great tribute to this past master and a work of great present day importance, given the frequence of the condition and the sequelæ of the operation which can be avoided when the technique is used correctly.