Modern Genetic Analysis & CD-Rom : Integrating Genes and Genomes

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Summary: The first genetics text with a "DNA-first" approach
Review: Genetics has traditionally been taught with the topics in historical order, starting with Mendel and only later reaching molecular genetics. However, it is much more logical to explain Mendelian genetics in the context of molecular genetics. (No other science abandons a logical building-up of concepts in return for historical chronology!) Griffiths and colleagues are the first to write a text with this preferable and long-overdue approach. Their overall organization is the best that I've seen. While many of the chapters are very well written, there are some parts of the book that are substandard and hopelessly jumbled, such as the chapter on mutational mechanisms and DNA repair. As this is a first edition, I am optimistic that these problems will be ironed out in the second edition. Another criticism is that the figures are adequate but not outstanding; the artists should take lessons from their colleagues who worked on Genetics: From Genes to Genomes by Hartwell and colleagues. Despite its drawbacks, I prefer this text to others that are available.

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Summary: Very good introduction to genetics
Review: I'm very impressed with the excercises in the end of every chapter. The excercises are fun and not too difficult.
The material is very well illustrated. Again, good work .

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Summary: Definitely readable, but not much depth
Review: The text is certainly reader-friendly...good layout, font, and spacing (very important 3am in the morning when you're cramming) and very good figures. However, its very readability seems to stem from its lack of content; the genetics text that I had used in high school seemed to have more detail than this one, which is generally used as a college textbook. A very basic textbook for an introductory genetics class, nothing more.

Rating:
Summary: Failed Attempt
Review: This beginning look at genetics is nothing special. A good foundation for genetic anaylsis and problem solving can be obtained by sifting through this book. However, there are many confusing, if not down-right ridiculous, statements made. Understanding genetics is not difficult and this book attempts to make it such.

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Summary: Uncoordinated Mishmash
Review: This textbook is a mess! Certain sections such as those that deal with classical transmission genetics are reasonably good. On the other hand, those sections that deal with recombinant DNA/genomic technology and the molecular basis of cancer are very weak. The writing in these sections is convoluted, and the level of coverage fluctuates wildly between oversimplification and mind-numbing detail. The book does not seem to have a clear target audience in mind, and the authors appear to have not spoken with each other during the writing. Considering the relative strengths of their earlier text, "Introduction to Genetic Analysis," this new effort is all the more disappointing.