Color photographs and drawings from the PBS science documentary Intimate Strangers illustrate this volume, which is based upon the series, but incorporates more data about the world of microbes and their roles in Earth's environment and human life. A team composed of a microbiologist, molecular biologist, producer and consultant, and illustrator, join efforts to address this book to a general audience, making it both scientific and accessible. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)