For those of us who have been around in the underwriting world for more than a few years – think pre-internet, and yes, those days really did exist, the ‘go-to’ reference bible for tricky cases was Brack’s book.
Dr Robert Brackenridge, known to almost all who knew him as Brack was the godfather and founder of evidence-based risk assessment. He joined Mercantile and General in 1959 as a medical officer after a career in the RAF, and the first version of his book ‘The Medical Aspects of Life Insurance’ was published in 1962. In the foreword to the second edition (published in 1977), it states that this first edition was ‘something of a landmark in the history of underwriting in the United Kingdom’.
Mercantile and General were later acquired by Swiss Re, and Brack continued to work for them up until his retirement. During this time, he continued to offer advice and opinion on challenging cases, with many underwriters receiving the benefit of his knowledge and insight.
There were 4 further editions of Brack’s book, with the most recent up until now being the 5th edition, published in 2006, just two years before Brack sadly passed away aged 90.
I am delighted to report that a sixth edition is almost ready for release. Of course, much has changed in the years since the publication of the fifth edition. This new version contains expanded and revised content, including guidance on rare diseases, the impact of climate and environmental changes, enhancements in screening protocols and methodology, and of course, the impact of advances in technology and the advent of AI.
The new version will be available electronically and in print form. The release date is yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be available by mid-2026.
I had the immense privilege of working with and alongside Brack over several years, and I know he would be delighted and honoured that his legacy lives on, with this new version becoming a point of reference, and once again the phrase ‘what does Brack’s book say’ being heard all around the underwriting world.
Article written by Nicky Virgo
