Microbes and Man 4ed

Microbes and Man 4ed

by Postgate (Author)

Synopsis

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, 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. In this up-dated edition, the extraordinary impact which the microbial community has on our everyday lives is described in an accessible and easy to read style.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 388
Edition: 4
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 12 Jan 2008

ISBN 10: 0521665795
ISBN 13: 9780521665797
Book Overview: A popular account of the invisible world of microbes and their impact on mankind.

Media Reviews
'Microbes and Man is certainly a classic of English literature as well as microbiology. Buy it or give it as a present.' Meriel Jones, Microbiology Today
'... well written throughout with a clear lucid style ... I think this book deserves a place on most bookshelves. All undergraduates would benefit from an understanding of how micro-organisms are critical to man in modern society ... the book is a pleasure to dip in to when you have a few spare minutes.' SFAM News
From a previous edition '... a beautifully written introduction to microbiology ... Throughout the last decade this book has been one of my favourites. It is a classic, and such splendid material for sixthformers. The non-scientists understand it; the scientists get ideas from it. If there isn't a copy in your school library, don't let another day pass without getting one.' The Biologist
From a previous edition 'In a word this book is a classic.' New Scientist
From a previous edition '... an excellent read for the uninitiated and professional alike.' SGM Quarterly
'This book is highly enjoyable, as it is readable, thought-provoking and at times quietly amusing.' Educational Media
...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