Principles of Molecular Virology (Book with CD-ROM)

Rating:
Summary: Descent book on virology
Review: As a neuroscience student, I took a class on virology that I wasn't required to take. However, since I was working on AIDS and rabies, I decided I needed the background. Between the bad teaching and the horrible textbook, I ended up taking an audit in the class and came away from it very confused. This book managed to simply clarify everything that those supposedly distinquished professors of virology and the writers of the textbooks for the class couldn't do. Now as a science educator I am always horrified at how scientists take simple ideas and subjects and make them difficult for students or laypersons to understand. That isn't the motive for teaching science or at least shouldn't be. This text on virology is understandable to everyone, especially if someone like me who is deaf and therefore has English reading skills that are different from the norm can comprehend what the author is saying. All I can say to this author is Bravo, and why aren't you writing more! Karen L. Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh

Rating:
Summary: Respectable beginning text on virology.
Review: I took virology while in med school, and it made less sense to me then neuroscience did at first. Part of that was the presentation methods of the professors, and part of it was their refusal to use or even recommend a decent textbook to refer to. I found the monster books on virology they place in the reference section of the medical school library, but trying to afford those books on your own is impossible. And they were so technical and so detailed, that it did not give a decent overview of the field and you had to use the index to find what you wanted. Too big.

This book by Cann is a good addition to anyone interested in the field of virology. Since the emergence of new or at least never seen before diseases, more people are wanting to familiarize themselves with viruses, and now prions. I was a little disappointed at the short chapter on prions, but since this was on viruses I was expecting more than he needed to deliver. The text is well-written and concise, but limited in historical background which I think adds to understanding and interest. Placing discoveries of science in context of social and cultural background helps to tie primary information in with other memory, so that that information can be recalled. Since there are other books which provide the historical overview of the discovery of viruses and means to control them (vaccinations, etc.) it isn't absolutely necessary for this text to explain it. It just a personal preference I have where I think science should be placed in context of social and cultural norms, and the public health history aids in understanding why developing vaccines for some diseases was given priority over others.

This is a good and inexpensive book which can be referred back to for papers. I would highly recommend this particular text for those who are in virology classes, where the professors are not explaining to your understanding or satisfaction, or when you need to know more about the genetic makeup of viruses, or their ability to use normal cells to reproduce. Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh

Rating:
Summary: Descent book on virology
Review: The way the concepts are presented in this text book are far from being fair. They are poorly demonstrated and use of pictures is poor. While it serves its use in giving information on virology at a great price, it fails in comparison to other books, while double the price, worth it in every way. I recommend saving up and getting either Medical Virology, 4th ED or Sherris Medical Microbiology; either one is good and far better then this title - as well as providing way more information, the latter book includes key concepts in immunology, parasitology and indepth on bacteriology. Don't be fooled by the price, this information isn't presented clearly to learn virology off of. If you're serious in learning about virology and/or infectious diseases, check out first the books stated above first.

Rating:
Summary: Virology in an understandable manner
Review: Well, let's see, molecular virology is definitely a hard-to understand science. Fortunately, for begginers like me, A.J Cann wrote this book. I think it is an awesome one, but it has its drawbacks.
Pros: Easy to read ( i mean, critical concepts, especially genetics, come up very clearly ), relatively easy to understand, and final review questions that really stick concepts in your mind. Also excellent prospective view about why molecular virology is important.
Cons: Not enough pictures. Imagination is a useful tool, but not that much ! This is why this superb book deserves only 4 stars. Still, it is worth the money, and belongs to the shelf of every virologist or infectious disease expert/fan/student.