Microbes and Man

By John R. Postgate

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521665795
• ISBN13: 9780521665797
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

a real classic

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.

Comprehensive, Fascinating & Very Readable

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.