Customer Reviews

Dancing Matrix: How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses

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2 star:		(1)
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I recently reread portions of this book -- the Primer on Viruses Chapter and the chapter on influenza -- to supplement my current reading of "The Coming Plague" by Laurie Garrett. Henig's book is a must-read for any layperson (like me) trying to attain literacy in the important area of emerging viruses.

I disagree somewhat with MVERNON's assessment: "A good read for those with a knowledge of the history of viruses but not their pure scientific background, but would leave those without, pondering far too much." I had no difficulty with this book, although of course it's not the same as reading a novel. Previous to reading it, I had read "The Selfish Gene," but nothing else relevant, so my background was very limited. The Primer may take a few readings, but it's worth it when the pieces -- DNA, RNA, proteins, genes, retroviruses, antigens and antibodies -- finally come into focus.

I really enjoyed this book! It tells gripping tales of real-life nightmares with energy, insight, and even charm. I also found it very well-informed and extremely clear. I knew almost nothing about this field before I picked up the book, and understood it easily. Henig is an outstanding science writer.

Whilst this book is written by a 'writer' and not a scientist, her knowledge of the area is extensive, and she presents an addictive presentation of an area those of us know well. The use of 'interdisciplinary' insight (see p18), is an inspiration to any one working in ANY field. The presentation draws one in like a magnetic force, with a roller coaster of emotion and thought involved. A good read for those with a knowledge of the history of viruses but not their pure scientific background, but would leave those without, pondering far too much.

As a regular science reader I found myself cringing at some of the 'facts' proposed by Ms.Henig. Several of them are more sterotype or rumour rather than fact. I agree with another reviewer who accuses the authour of cliche.

At one point she refers to disease as an "inconclusive negotiation for symbiosis, an over-stepping of the line by one side or the other, a biologic misinterpretation of borders."

All biology students should be wiping tears from their eyes at this point. Natural selection has no foresight. Viruses have evolved to survive (as have we). They are not attempting to live in peace and harmony with us anymore than we are trying to live in peace and harmony with them. If a virus can pass 1000 progeny to the next generation whilst being very virulent, or 100 progeny whilst being mildly virulent, it will evolve towards higher virulence.

There are some ok parts, but quite un-scientific and frustrating in parts.

The subject matter of this book sparkles though some mediocre writing. The book is not well organized and the author is fond of cliches such as "Professor Morse has a small office typical of college professors, crammed with books and old coffee mugs." Who cares! If the author had just focused on virulogy, it would have been better, but it is still an interesting read (though a bit dated now).

Overall I recommend this book, especially if you are just beginning to learn about virusus. A lot of specific details have changed since this book was published. For example, the chapter on AIDS, while being accurate in 1994, is now so out of date as to be somewhat offensive. However, the main point of the book, that humans are behaving in ways that greatly increase the risk of viral epidemics, is not at all dated. In fact, it is more relevant now than ever. Despite some details being out of date, the concepts presented in this book are accurate, and VERY, VERY important. However, if you are looking for specifics on emerging viruses, I would recommend reading a more current book. If you have a scientific background and want more details, I also recommend "The Coming Plague" by Laurie Garrett. Like this book, it has some inaccuracies, but I found it more interesting.