Microbes and Man [Paperback]

John Postgate (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0521423554 | ISBN-13: 978-0521423557 | Edition: 3

This fully updated and revised edition of Professor Postgate's best-selling book provides an inspiring introduction to the fascinating world of microbes and their profound influence on man and the environment we live in. Microbes are everywhere. In the air, in soil, in water, on our skin and hair, in our mouths and intestines, on and in the food we eat. They make the soil fertile; they clean up the environment; they change, often improve, our food; they make vitamins for us inside ourselves; some protect us from less desirable microbes. As 'germs', microbes are regarded as nasty, because a few can cause disease, a few can spoil food, a few can destroy valuable materials. Only when such misfortunes occur are most people conscious of microbes at all. Yet collectively, microbes present a fascinating world of invisible, or barely visible, creatures, which together encompass all the processes of which terrestrial life is capable; creatures which have had, and continue to have, profound effects on our lives and surroundings. In this book, John Postgate explains to ordinary non-scientist readers the impact this invisible community has on our everyday lives, and conveys the excitement microbes can generate in those who study them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

' ... uniquely captures the essence of microbiology ... should be compulsory reading for all embarking on a microbiological, or indeed biological, career.' Geoff Gadd, SGM Quarterly

Book Description

This classic introduction to the fascinating world of microbes has now been extensively updated to include such topical issues as BSE, food poisoning, genetic engineering and gene therapy. It deals with the ways in which microbes affect peoples' lives in everyday matters, such as in disease, health, hygiene and nutrition, and also discusses their part in socio-economic areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering and the stability of the environment. This popular account will appeal to students of microbiology as well as to the general reader. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 309 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 3 edition (February 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521423554
• ISBN-13: 978-0521423557
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,668,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, Fascinating & Very Readable, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Microbes and Man (Paperback)

I haven't had a chance to read the new up-dated edition, but have an older edition. I enjoyed very much the edition I have & can't imagine that new information that's been added would do anything but improve it.

Dr. Postgate is a professor of microbiology at Sussex University & not only knows his field extensively, but has made a vast & difficult subject [for many] very understandable & interesting. He's not only a scientist but an excellent writer.

If anyone wishes to demystify microbes & learn how they affect us in everyday ways, & the impact they have on our planet, I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a real classic, November 17, 2005

By 

Doc Dave "Doc Dave" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microbes and Man (Paperback)

I agree with the previous reviewer who calls this book comprehensive and readable. Postgate makes learning microbiology fun and accessible, without "dumbing it down" or coming off in a condescending manner. While updates to the 4th edition include (among other things) genetic engineering and gene therapy, the book has thankfully not become just another gee-whiz molecular biology book. While biochemistry and genetics play an important role in differentiating microbes from each other and making them much more functionally diverse than us "higher organisms" are, there is a lot more to learn about microbiology than just molecular structures and mechanisms. Postgate maintains his focus on the microorganisms and their impacts upon society. The result is an admirably small and inexpensive book, with far more balance and clarity than I've found in any of the fat and pricey "fundamental" microbiology textbooks.