Where most microbiology texts are weighty and exhaustive tomes, this volume is designed as a complete textbook that's brief enough to be applied for a one-semester course. Wheelis, who taught introductory microbiology courses often over his 37 years at the U. of California, Davis, writes concisely but clearly, teaching the student all the basics without all the details and exceptions, supplemented with excellent color illustrations throughout. The volume is oversized: 9.25x11.25". Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)