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Viruses: A Natural History
A comprehensive and richly illustrated introduction to the world of viruses
As parasites that are often hundreds of times smaller than bacteria, viruses exist in and on everything, everywhere. Rapidly evolving, they are highly opportunistic and relentlessly efficient. While some viruses are obviously agents of disease, as the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world only too well, others can be beneficial, helping to protect their hosts from other microbes, or allowing hosts to function in otherwise impossible ways. In Viruses, virus expert and author Marilyn Roossinck presents a comprehensive and richly illustrated introduction to viruses that reveals their true nature.
Using lively text, clear graphics, and beautiful imagery, Viruses examines all the aspects of viruses that are essential for understanding them--their diversity, behaviors, life cycles, and much more. Written in a nontechnical and easy-to-follow style, the book covers what viruses are and where they come from; how they transmit and evolve; the battle between viruses and hosts, including immunity and vaccination; viruses that are good for us; the critical role viruses play in the balance of earth's ecosystems; what makes a virus--including COVID-19 and influenza--become pandemic in plants or animals; and the cutting-edge research that is discovering thousands of new viruses. Each chapter concludes with stunningly illustrated profiles that highlight key viruses.
In a world where comprehending viruses is more important than ever, Viruses offers a rich and inviting introduction to organisms that, for all the harm they can do, are also essential for the health of animals, plants, and the world we share.
As parasites that are often hundreds of times smaller than bacteria, viruses exist in and on everything, everywhere. Rapidly evolving, they are highly opportunistic and relentlessly efficient. While some viruses are obviously agents of disease, as the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world only too well, others can be beneficial, helping to protect their hosts from other microbes, or allowing hosts to function in otherwise impossible ways. In Viruses, virus expert and author Marilyn Roossinck presents a comprehensive and richly illustrated introduction to viruses that reveals their true nature.
Using lively text, clear graphics, and beautiful imagery, Viruses examines all the aspects of viruses that are essential for understanding them--their diversity, behaviors, life cycles, and much more. Written in a nontechnical and easy-to-follow style, the book covers what viruses are and where they come from; how they transmit and evolve; the battle between viruses and hosts, including immunity and vaccination; viruses that are good for us; the critical role viruses play in the balance of earth's ecosystems; what makes a virus--including COVID-19 and influenza--become pandemic in plants or animals; and the cutting-edge research that is discovering thousands of new viruses. Each chapter concludes with stunningly illustrated profiles that highlight key viruses.
In a world where comprehending viruses is more important than ever, Viruses offers a rich and inviting introduction to organisms that, for all the harm they can do, are also essential for the health of animals, plants, and the world we share.
- GenresScienceNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
3 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 4, 2025
Phenomenal resource for the curious undergrad. Of the three related to microbiology I own by the Princton-Oxford Press publishers, (Lichen, Fungi, and Viruses), I believe this one to have overall the best structure and writing. Gorgeous artwork and crystal structures of viruses fill the book. This book is a pretty easy read for anyone who has taken an introductory microbiology class at the college level. There is not much in terms of the deeper biochemistry besides some bits about immune systems of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. This book has had massive impacts on my views on molecular biology and evolution, especially with examples they point out such as Banana Streak Virus and HERV-W.
May 23, 2023
The textbook to virology for those intimidated by textbooks to virology, Viruses: A Natural History is a handsomely illustrated crash course that shows viruses are not just pathogens but are fascinating in their own right. Read my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2023...
October 28, 2024
I do not have a background in biology. In spite of that I was able to follow most of the book. The author called out some of the chapters at the end are super technical and honestly I glossed over it. The illustrations are beautiful and overall I found the book to be kind of a starter guide for anyone interested to know the basics of a virus.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews