Microbiologist and science writer Dixon collects 69 of his columns from the American Society for Microbiology's Microbe; columns he has been publishing since 1996 under the title "Animalcules" ("animalcules" being the term used by 18th century microscopist Antony van Leeuwenhoek to describe the microbes he discovered). Broadly speaking, the columns discuss the process of microbiological study; profile some of the important figures of the field, from Leeuwenhoek on forward; explore the role of microbes in human health and disease; and examine the importance of microorganisms within wider ecological contexts. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)