Customer Reviews

Fields Virology, 4th Edition (2 Volume Set)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My take on this two-volume set is that if you are going to put out as much money as this set costs, you should get a lot for it. This two- volume set is simply the best I have found for MAMMALIAN virology, with a close second being 'Fundamental Virology'. I stress the mammalian virology, as it omits a good bit (if not all) of the plant- associated virii. The basics of all virus structure are in there, regarding plant virii, but beyond that, there is information lacking. Despite this, when purchased as a graduate-level or upper-undergraduate level text or reference guide, there simply is no other text of this scale. There is a lot more text than graphics, but this does not (in my opinion) deter from the value of the text. If I could, I'd give a 4.5 star of 5, only for the lack of plant virii information and my personal desire for more graphics. i will say that the CD-Rom has more than enough graphics to make up for the book's seeming lack of graphics. As a 'financially- burdened' Pathology trainee and Virologist by employment, I will say that this is worth the price and effort to read. Note that it is written to the biologist who has some knowledge, albeit foundational knowledge, of biology.

There is hardly any significant fact about viruses that missed-out in this edition of "Fields Virology". Page after page, this sound all-inclusive reference doles out authoritative information on both viruses and viral syndromes. From taxonomy to etiology, metamorphosis to replication; the analyses of this text is grand. The same applies to its attached CD-ROM. Its practical outlook was intended to benefit both microbiologists and pathologists. Bernard Fields and his colleagues made their mark with this book. It is a great effort.
However, most botanist may not be pleased to know that little attention was paid to plant viruses. Again, many potential buyers may be demoralized by the rather high price that this virology-set demands.

The book pictured on this site is the Fourth Edition of Fields Virology. However, the "Book Description" in the "Editiorial Reviews" section on this site is for the Third Edition of Fields Virology. I hesitate to purchase the book because I am unsure which edition you will be shipping. Before I place my order, I want assurance that I will be receiving the Fourth Edition.