Dancing Matrix : How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book on a fascinating topic
Review: I really enjoyed this book! It tells gripping tales of real-life nightmares with energy, insight, and even charm. I also found it very well-informed and extremely clear. I knew almost nothing about this field before I picked up the book, and understood it easily. Henig is an outstanding science writer.

Rating:
Summary: Good overview of emerging viruses, but a bit dated
Review: Overall I recommend this book, especially if you are just beginning to learn about virusus. A lot of specific details have changed since this book was published. For example, the chapter on AIDS, while being accurate in 1994, is now so out of date as to be somewhat offensive. However, the main point of the book, that humans are behaving in ways that greatly increase the risk of viral epidemics, is not at all dated. In fact, it is more relevant now than ever. Despite some details being out of date, the concepts presented in this book are accurate, and VERY, VERY important. However, if you are looking for specifics on emerging viruses, I would recommend reading a more current book. If you have a scientific background and want more details, I also recommend "The Coming Plague" by Laurie Garrett. Like this book, it has some inaccuracies, but I found it more interesting.

Rating:
Summary: A non-scientists view of emerging viruses
Review: The subject matter of this book sparkles though some mediocre writing. The book is not well organized and the author is fond of cliches such as "Professor Morse has a small office typical of college professors, crammed with books and old coffee mugs." Who cares! If the author had just focused on virulogy, it would have been better, but it is still an interesting read (though a bit dated now).

Rating:
Summary: Not well written but interesting
Review: The subject matter of this book sparkles though some mediocre writing. The book is not well organized and the author is fond of cliches such as "Professor Morse has a small office typical of college professors, crammed with books and old coffee mugs." Who cares! If the author had just focused on virulogy, it would have been better, but it is still an interesting read (though a bit dated now).

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book on a fascinating topic
Review: Whilst this book is written by a 'writer' and not a scientist, her knowledge of the area is extensive, and she presents an addictive presentation of an area those of us know well. The use of 'interdisciplinary' insight (see p18), is an inspiration to any one working in ANY field. The presentation draws one in like a magnetic force, with a roller coaster of emotion and thought involved. A good read for those with a knowledge of the history of viruses but not their pure scientific background, but would leave those without, pondering far too much.