Microbes and Man [Paperback]

John Postgate (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521665795 | ISBN-13: 978-0521665797 | Publication Date: February 13, 2000 | Edition: 4

Microbes are everywhere. Normally invisible, they are abundant in the air we breathe, in soil, in water, on our skin and hair, in our mouths and intestines, and on and in the food we eat. They make the soil fertile; they clean up the environment; they change, often improve, our food; some protect us from less desirable microbes. Yet most people are scarcely aware that they exist--except when they become ill. Microbes, as "germs", are widely regarded as nasty--unpopular because a few can cause disease and a few can spoil food. Yet collectively microbes present a fascinating world of miniscule creatures, who together encompass all the processes of which terrestrial life is capable: creatures who have profound effects on our lives and surroundings. Extensively updated to include such topics as CJD, genetic manipulation, and gene therapy, this edition describes the extraordinary impact that the microbial community has on our everyday lives in an accessible and easy to read style.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...will be especially valuable as an introduction for those intending to study microbiology. It describes in detail the world of microbes and their influence on man and the environment, such as nutrition, production, decay and pollution, evolution, and the future." Biosis

"A strength of this book is that it appeals to self-interest in bringing out, frequently in personal terms, the power of microbes to affect daily life and the future. The book should be made available in high school, college, and public libraries. The practicing microbiologist would enjoy the sweeping overview of his science as it might be seen by the lay reader..." Soil Science

"...pleasurable and informative. The reader comes away from this book with a wealth of information about microbes and a great deal of respect for these tiny creatures...This book is a most useful reference for any teacher of life science. Readings from the book could be assigned to honors level high school or AP biology and chemistry students, though its fine print and dense material make it most appropriate as a content review for the secondary or college level educatory." NSTA Recommends

"The book is illuminated by the author's enthusiasm for and wide knowledge of his subject. The reader can learn much of the progress and conditions of British microbiology...the text is very readable, and many examples are of very recent date. The book can be strongly recommended to non-specialists and experienced microbiologists as an impressive and exciting overall view of our subject." Canadian Society of Microbiologists

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 4 edition (February 13, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521665795
• ISBN-13: 978-0521665797
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #503,219 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.