In order to understand common conditions such as coeliac disease and Crohn's disease, one must view the gut in its evolutionary context. This is the novel approach to the gut and its diseases that is adopted in this book. The first part tells the story of the evolution of the gut itself - why it came about and how it has influenced the evolution of animals ever since. The second part focuses on the evolution of immunity and how the layers of immune mechanisms are retained in the gut, resembling the strata revealed in an archeological dig. The final part, 'The Gastro-Archeologist', ties the first two together and highlights how understanding the gut and immune system in their evolutionary context can help us understand diseases affecting them.

The book is intended for anyone with an interest in the gut, its immunity and diseases, ranging from school and college biology and biomedical students, to professionals working in the field, and to patients suffering from intestinal diseases who want to understand more about their conditions.

Author:

Dr Jeremy Woodward is a consultant gastroenterologist working in Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. He specialises in diseases of the small intestine and clinical nutrition, which extends from tube-feeding techniques to intestinal transplantation. He lectures on gastroenterology and nutrition in the Medical School in Cambridge University where he is also a communications skills facilitator, and he teaches gastrointestinal physiology to undergraduates in Christ's College (where his own career started). An enthusiastic wildlife observer and photographer he particularly enjoys studying moths in his back garden and hunting reptiles when on holiday in warmer climes.    

Illustrator:

Charlie E. Manning comes from a long line of creative folk. Educated in Saffron Walden, Essex and in Cambridge, she has worked within the art industry in roles such as college technician, art and antiquities custodian and art materials advisor and retail for over 20 years. She chose to refresh some of her skills and studied illustration and visual communications with the Open College of the Arts.  Whilst pursuing various creative avenues, she enjoys trying to incorporate recycling wherever possible, being a history nerd, folklore enthusiast, appreciator of traditional crafts and an avid plant collector.  Working predominantly in pen and ink, gouache, coloured pencil, mixed media collage and in Lino printing, she takes inspiration from the natural world and can be found recharging her batteries outdoors, preferably in the dappled shade of woodland amongst the flora and fauna, taking lots of photographs and possibly hugging a tree.  Currently dwelling near the Fenlands of East Anglia. She is a devoted auntie to her nieces and nephews and works part time in floristry.