Human Virology: A Text for Students of Medicine, Dentistry, and Microbiology [Hardcover]

Leslie Collier (Author), John S. Oxford (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019262184X | ISBN-13: 978-0192621849 | Publication Date: November 25, 1993

In almost every area of biomedical research the making of new discoveries and their subsequent application to the relief of suffering proceeds at the ever-increasing pace. Virology, perhaps more than any other discipline, is playing a key role in these advances, not only in the study of infections and their treatment and prevention, but also in the unravelling of the most fundamental aspects of biology. This is because viruses have an intimate relationship with the basic machinery of their host cells. Thus, research on how viruses reproduce themselves and spread has provided insights into the ways in which the cells of our bodies function, leading in turn to a better understanding of the whole organism and of how infective diseases may be prevented or cured. The speed of advance in this area has increased the difficulty encountered by students and teachers in absorbing and imparting important information as efficiently as possible. It is important that students are provided with enough information, not just to pass examination, but also to provide a foundation of knowledge adequate for subsequent professional practice. It is equally important that this information is presented in an attractive and easily assimilated manner. In this book Professors Leslie Collier and John Oxford present account of basic and clinical virology that seeks to meet both of these needs. Illustrated with over 130 line drawings and photographs "Virology for Medical and Dental Students" provides a review of this rapidly expanding field of biology for medical and dental undergraduates.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Enthusiasm for the subject also comes across in Human Virology. Collier and Oxford have written a book for modern times that deserves careful, thoughtful reading by an audience ... interested in the viral hazards we can already identify and others that may yet await us.' Times Higher Education Supplement

'Collier and Oxford are to be congratulated on producing a textbook for undergraduates which is refreshing in its ability to make the subject interesting and clinically relevant, in a format that is both easy and enjoyable to read.' Sunil Shaunak, Hammersmith Hospital, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Vol 51, No 5

'this volume, covering both basic and clinical virology, presents the whole subject in a manner which most students will appreciate, with excellent and well-chosen illustrations, and a very readable text' Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 59, No. 3, March 1994

'The book is very well illustrated and the only adjective for the many electronmicrographs is "superb" (I doubt if one will see better) ... the authors have ... managed to present a very large topic in a condensed "need to know" format ... it will be useful for in-service training of junior staff, for refreshing one's memory and as an excellent source of tables and figures for teaching purposes.' A.S. Bryden, Journal of Med. Microbiology, Vol. 40 (1994)

'It is a pleasure to recommend Human Virology as a text book for basic clinical virology ... here the virological 'colour' is richly provided in the text itself. Indeed each sentence is crafted to produce lively, but outstandingly clear explanations. The text is lively, yet sound, and the authors deploy their sense of history to good effect, without allowing this to obscure the modern interpretation ... the book will be a very useful one for medical students but more senior 'experts' may also find it a refreshing overview.' Hugh J. Field, Cambridge University, International Antiviral News, Volume 2, Number 7, 1994

'this is a well-presented book with consistent style and a clear and well thought out approach. It makes a useful and much needed reference book for medical, dental and science students.' F. Nicholson, St Thomas' Hospital, Journal of Hospital infection (1994) 26

'a pleasure to recommend Human Virology as a text book for basic clinical virology ... the virological 'colour' is richly provided in the text itself. Indeed each sentence is crafted to produce lively but outstandingly clear explanations. Human Virology is a sound basic text, which is unashamedly non-molecular, yet the lucid simplicity has been achieved without sacrificing accuracy ... The lay-out of the book is classical ... The text is lively, yet sound, and the authors deploy their sense of history to good effect, without allowing this to obscure the modern interpretation ... this book is a timely reminder of the down-to-earth nature of virus infections and their pathogenesis within the human host. Thus, the book will be a very useful one for medical students but more senior 'experts' may also find it a refreshing overview.' Hugh J. Field, Cambridge University, International Antiviral News, Volume 2, Number 7

'I have been waiting for this book! It has filled a big gap in the market. Human Virology is pitched at the right level for medical and dental students. The book is very readable and well presented, with clear subheadings and useful tables. I have no hesitation in recommending it to undergraduate students and their teachers.' Jennifer M. Best, St Thomas's Hospital, Epidemiology and Infection, Volume 113 - 1994

`I have been waiting for this book! It has filled a big gap in the market. Human Virology is pitched at the right level for medical and dental students.' Epidemiology and Infection, Volume 113 - 1994

About the Author

Leslie Collier is a freelance medical editor and author

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 25, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019262184X
• ISBN-13: 978-0192621849
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,136,660 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book available for intro virology, May 27, 2006

By 

JoeT "Joe in New York" - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Human Virology: A Text for Students of Medicine, Dentistry and Microbiology (Paperback)

As a virology student, this is the first place I go to when reviewing any viral disease. It gets to the point and gives you all the necessary information you need on viruses. For all the common viruses, this book has no equal. Other books do go into more detail, but nothing comes close to Collier to giving you the basic knowledge you need.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For very select audience only, February 15, 2009

By 

CJ - See all my reviews

This review is from: Human Virology (Paperback)

I was required to read this for a Public Health course. The textbook skips over vital explanations, uses too many abbreviations (without explaining what they are), and bolds important words without defining them. I was constantly on the computer attempting to find a better explanation elsewhere. However, I guess I should fault the professor of my course more than the textbook authors. Perhaps this book should have a memo explaining it is only for those with an advanced understanding of microbiology and medicine.