From Library Journal
Updated from the 1992 original, this authoritative (but not truly encyclopedic) work of over 300 clearly written articles by more than 450 international experts provides a good entry point to the field of microbiology, covering many (but not all) areas from applications to techniques. The article on biological warfare is particularly interesting as it includes a historical review from 300 B.C.E. to the present as well as the expected sections on treaties and terrorism. All entries contain an outline, glossary, summary paragraph, and the main article followed by cross references and a bibliography. There is a complete glossary in the fourth volume. The articles are accessible to most educated lay readers, making this a very attractive reference; however, the high cost would need to be considered. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries with deep pockets; for smaller libraries, a more affordable option would be a good textbook such as Wolfgang Joklik's Zinsser's Microbiology (McGraw-Hill, 1995. 20th ed.).DEric D. Albright, Duke Univ. Medical Ctr. Lib., Durham, NC
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"The scope, detail, and organization of this four-volume set is truly remarkable...The complexity and array of subject matter covered in this book is awesome! Once the secret is out, this text should find itself on the office shelves of all professional microbiologists and in the library of every academic microbiology department throughout the world." --CHOICE "Four well-designed volumes include 298 articles. ...users will undoubtedly make heavy use of the detailed subject index. ...the second edition appears to meet the basic criteria of an excellent encyclopedia in design, organization, usability, and accuracy of data." -Laurel Grotzinger in CHOICE (September 2000) Praise for the First Edition "This survey of microbiology, consisting of 204 articles that vary in length from 6 to 30 pages, is well organized and well written... The material complements both undergraduate and graduate study... There is no comparable work. Highly recommended for libraries that support study, teaching, or research in microbiology." --CHOICE "Their [the articles']accuracy, as far as I can judge, is generally impeccable, and the level of clarity is commendably high." --NATURE "Occasionally a monumental works appears in press for readers to absorb the wealth of information and knowledge. Encyclopedia of Microbiology fits this billing!... I believe it is an excellent investment for a department of microbiology, food science, or foods and nutrition or a consultant laboratory. Certainly the set should grace the shelves of all university and public libraries." --JOURNAL OF RAPID METHODS AND AUTOMATION IN MICROBIOLOGY "There really is nothing else comparable in either coverage or currency on the market, and the encyclopedia is a valuable tool for both faculty and graduate students." --LIBRARIES UNLIMITED
"The latest edition. updates the previous one and continues the tradition of quality set by the previous editions. The online edition via ScienceDirect provides electronic content for the six-volume print version of the third edition.. Written by experts, the articles are up-to-date, clearly written, and well organized. The site arranges articles in broad categories and makes browsing by authors, article titles, and subjects easy; searching the full text of the encyclopedia works well. Given the breadth and depth of this resource, it will be very useful for students, scholars, and practitioners. Highly recommended."--CHOICE
