I haven't read very many running books. In fact, I've only read three that I can remember, one being Christopher MacDougal's legendary "Born to Run", and Jason Robillard's excellent "The Barefoot Running Book".

And having read Robillard this book nicely fills in the gaps, fleshes out and in generally expands on the topic of barefoot running versus shoes, the history of running, the mechanics of running, injury prevention and so on. While Robillard is hard core barefoot, this book doesn't take any kind of fundamental stance; it is firmly based on science and looks at pros and cons from all sides.

Indeed, the science bit is where this book can be a bit boorish. Unless of course your a person that likes science and don't mind the authors spreading the scientific paper references thick on the ground. I didn't mind although it does make for a slower reading than it otherwise would have. But you endure it, because it is what makes this book great: a very well balanced look at the current debate and the science that may or may not support it.

Very good and a clean 8 out of 10 rating. I'll recommend this to anyone interested in running.