Customer Reviews

A Guided Tour Of The Living Cell - Volume One (Scientific American Library Series) (v. 1)

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A wonderful detailed, serious look inside the cell in two volumes, profusely illustrated. At the level (naturally) of a Scientific American article, but much longer. De Duve is a Nobel prize winner too.

I have collected and read about a dozen volumes in this (long discontinued) Scientific American book series. I can say without hesitation that this two volume work is the BEST (most lovingly prepared and most informative) of all volumes I have read -- even though the subject area is furthest from my direct training and interest which is more towards physics and engineering. I believe this is the only case where a book in this series was issued in 2 volumes. The author explains how the book originated in a series of Christmas lectures he gave to High School students in 1976 and how it grew in size to include all the major destinations in the cell. Even though much has happened since this book was published in the mid-1980's, I still heartily recommend it. Even though long out of print there are many used copies available for a pittance. For more recent developments you can always consult newer textbooks or the Internet. But for sheer scope and quality of presentation I don't think you can beat this book.