The first edition of Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide was published in 1989, and has sold close to 35,000 copies. We continue to sell more than 3,000 copies a year, due largely to the book's focus on the major biological processes. Despite the considerable advances made in biology during the past ten years, the book remains surprisingly current. However, there are several areas that need revising or freshening up. This second edition will include discussions of new ideas about where life began (i.e., panspermia); new information about stem cells; new updates on reproduction and cloning; and a thorough account of the latest in brain research, including a rundown on serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) such as Prozac.
A clear, well-written textbook that gives a useful (necessarily broad-strokes) overview of the field of biology, definitely a good springboard for further study within the life sciences. I'll need to work through it a second (and third?) time to really get the most out of it, but that's just a function of how much information it contains.
I've "devoured" some previous editions, and I can say, even though the content may not appear drastically different each time, the world of biology is absolutely captivating! Every single minute invested in revisiting its fundamental principles is an experience that is nothing short of exhilarating. This marvelous book, along with many others, holds a cherished spot on my yearly revisiting list.