Customer Reviews

Prescott/Harley/Klein's Microbiology

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is well written overall and it is fairly easy to learn from.

Having said that, I'd like to rip on a couple of issues. For some reason, it seems like nearly every time a picture is referred to in the text, it will be one or two pages behind the actual picture. This isn't a big deal if you're just reading a section, but if you actually sit down and read a chapter or two at a time, it becomes infuriating quickly. The book makes constant references to pictures, so it really slows down reading to have to flip the page over, find the figure, flip back, find your place, and continue reading again. The fact that this flaw could have been easily fixed makes it all the more annoying to me. Also, some of the chapters seem a little out of order. I often find myself reading sections that are 10 chapters apart, which cover very similar topics.

Another thing that is lacking in a few places are explanations of basic biology and chemistry concepts that are presented for the first time in the text. I know that you would be expected to know it already, but there are places where a sentence or two of explanation on a concept would be very appropriate and helpful.

If you don't mind constantly flipping the pages to see the referred figure, this really isn't a bad book. The figures are generally helpful and I have certainly learned a lot more from reading this book than I did attending lecture. I would probably recommend it despite its flaws.

I ordered this book because it was the required text for my Microbiology course at college. After having taken other specific biology classes without a book specific to the course (ie- Plant Bio/Botany with a General Biology book) I find this book very helpful.

I do have to admit, though, that if you're looking to fall asleep this book is more effective than a glass of warm milk.

From what I have read so far, though, the book is very informative. For the most part the text is concise, avoiding rambling or drawn out points. As another reviewer said, you might find a few rough patches when reading if you aren't entirely familiar with a lot of the basic, earlier bio course terms. The authors don't take any time to explain any concepts that they expect most students will have learned by the time they're taking microbiology. So, if you're taking this out of order, or early, you might want to have some kind of general bio reference at hand. I believe that a the book is also aimed at students who have already taken Plant Bio/Botany, which is not the case at all schools.

Buying on Amazon was an excellent choice, I saved about $80. Just remember, the earlier the better! And pray that you don't have to lug this beast of a book to class with you!

Prescott's Microbiology: the 5th ed. = $236.73 (new) & $1.32 (buyback) and the 8th ed. = $161.69 (new) & $107.06 (buyback). Note that the 5th edition still sells for almost $80 more than the 8th ed. Does this mean it is better than the 8th? I don't know 'coz I own the 5th & have no intention of selling it for less than $2 and buying the 8th for $160 to find out.

That said, Prescott's Microbiology texts are one of the most comprehensive Microbiology texts in the world given that you have a basic understanding and fair recollection of high school/undergraduate level Biology. A bonus is that this text always covers the basics of Immunology & Molecular Biology/Genetics as well. A good investment provided you have the drive to pore over a book of its physical proportions. If you generally find over-sized textbooks boring use more concise/easier to carry texts like the ones listed below.

Gardner for Genetics
Ananthanarayan & Paniker for Medical Microbiology
Freifelder's for Molecular Biology
Lippincott or Roitt for Immunology
Bailey's for Diagnostic Microbiology
Cappuccino & Sherman's Laboratory Manual

I know it's a lot of books but each one is well worth the money. They're all well organized & written for students on the go. Very concise, facts only/no waffle texts that are also easy to read.

This company was honest with the condition that the text book was in. It is serving me well in my microbiology class.

Great Condition, got here on time, in the condition stated. Thank you for being so honest and sending the book.

Brilliant book, one of the standards in fact. Goes through a wide array of topics ranging from bacteria from the get go, leading into immunology, genetics, metabolism, lab techniques, and more with great pictures to help everything sink in.

This price was listed at a great price, shipped quickly, and arrived in the expected condition.

the book came new. literally no signs of scratches and the cover even cracked like when u open up a new book.

The book arrived within a few days. It was in excellent condition. I have no complaints. I'm really glad I bought this book on Amazon instead of the bookstore. I saved 50 dollars.

I ordered a microbiology book and received it in a timely manner. I had expected to get the accompanying CD but did not and wrote to the seller. He apologized and quickly offered to refund the full price or give me a $15 credit. I thought that was a really nice offer and I decided to keep the book because it was a fair price. Overall it was a good experience.