It is essential to know all of the intricate lymph pathways when performing surgery for esophageal cancer in order to determine the extent of lymph node metastasis. Professor Sato has undertaken, at the request of the TNM Research Committee of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, to map out and classify the lymph nodes of the mediastinum and neck. The beautiful artwork in the Color Atlas of Surgical Anatomy for Esophageal Cancer edited by Professor Sato gives an excellent understanding of the lymph node pathways and their importance in surgical treatment. Minute dissections which represent real life situations, not just the superficial pathways, show the precise location and topographical arrangement of the lymphatics. Full-color schematics are given with the actual dissection illustrations and photographs. The atlas clearly presents the classification of four significant pathways and their communication, the relationship of these pathways en route to the venous angles and the definition and assessment of the most critical nodes. Thoracic surgeons especially will benefit from the excellent illustrations of surgical techniques and the methods for recording the dissected lymph nodes which are presented by Professor Kakegawa. Leading experts fighting esophageal cancer with surgical treatment can use the classification in this outstanding atlas for many years to come as a standard for international comparison. The careful dissection of the lymph nodes may be the best way to improve survival rates after surgery for cancer of the thoracic esophagus.