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 second edition...an excellent encyclopedia in design, organization, usability, and accuracy of data." -- Laurel Grotzinger, in CHOICE, September 2000
Highly Commended Title Award in Basic and Clinical Sciences in 2000 from the British Medical Association!
"This handsome set of four volumes is an ambitious work...(T)he majority of articles are cross-referenced to other articles. This plethora of indexing and referencing may appear confusing, but the Encyclopedia is in fact easy to use once the organization of the contents is appreciated. The striking thing about the contents of the work is the amount of applied microbiology it contains; there are extensive sections dealing with agricultural, food and industrial microbiology... There are useful articles on ecological issues and, interestingly, articles on careers in the field of microbiology and on legal and ethical issues. In addition, there are interesting articles on historical aspects of certain diseases that give a valuable perspective. The tables and figures are excellent throughout and the pictorial illustrations are of high quality... In summary, this work is, as has been stated, ambitious and largely achieves its target. It is a valuable reference work for all microbiologists."
- Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine -- Review
Praise for the First Edition
"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
Praise for the First Edition
"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
Praise for the First Edition
"Their [the articles']accuracy, as far as I can judge, is generally impeccable, and the level of clarity is commendably high." -- Nature
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