Reviews (43)

hands down, this behemoth deserves 5 stars
Yes, 1616 pages and 2 inches thick of madness can be intimidating, but this book is sheer awesomeness in lots of ways. Whether you are self-taught, actually taking the class, or just want a desk reference for cell bio, this is definitely the one to get.
The Canonical Work
This is a beautifully written textbook that presents the canonical version of what is currently known about cellular biology at the molecular level.The illustrations are clear and the text is easy to follow.The only shortcoming of the book is that, necessarily, it stays above the messy details in order to maintain clarity.The result, inevitably, is that some areas are glossed over (transcription activation is one example, but there are many others) and some areas appear to be understood when in reality there is a great deal of disagreement (for example, gene splicing).But these omissions are appropriate because the intention of the book is to provide an overview, not a specialist in-depth examination of every topic.This is a great primer for college students or educated people wanting to know just a little more detail about how life works.
Simply love it---a plethora of information
This book is a wonderful source of knowledge for anyone who is interested in cell biology; or if you are studying it--like myself.I give a 100% gaurantee that if you purchase this book you will be satisfied. I just finished reading the chapter on pathogens; wow so much information - it's truly ubelievable. That is what else I love about this book: it can be read sectionally. All one has to do is read the first three chapters to establish a foundation of the basic knowledge; you can skip that step all together if you know your stuff. Simply put: buy this book. Also, I forgot to mention that it includes a beautifully designed CD-ROM; it has animations that suppliment what you learned and more--not your average CD extra. The reason this review is so short and concise is because the other one I wrote didn't get saved--that was the long one with detail. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cells    2. Cytology    3. General    4. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    5. Life Sciences - Cytology    6. Molecular Biology    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Cellular biology    10. Science / Biotechnology   

Reviews (84)

Very Very cool book
My son loves dinosaurs but had outgrown alot of the kids books out there. This is a great book for older kids and adults will like it too.

Great eye candy for your inner child, and for your other children if you decide to share
This book produced much glee in my house the day it arrived, gasps of joy and amazement, awe and delight. One of these days I'll let my kids look at it, too. I enjoyed it so much that I promptly bought Sabuda's "Alice in Wonderland," "The Wizard of Oz," and another Encylopedia Prehistorica volume, "Sharks And Other Sea Monsters." They're all sensational.
Awesome gift for kids and adults alike!
This book is just simply amazing. When you open each page you cannot stop but to wonder how on earth do they figure out how to not only design and engineer its illustrations but also how to implement it and still manage to sell it at a reasonable price. The content is very informative and educational. Definitely something that one can re-read with interest for many years. It also works great as a reference book for children and it could very easily be helpful for one of their school projects. Speaking of school, instead of getting a mug as an appreciation book for your kid's school teacher, consider offering this book. It is money well spent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures    2. Children's 9-12 - Nature / Guide Books    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Dictionaries    6. Dictionaries, Juvenile    7. Dinosaurs    8. Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Creatures    9. Fossils    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Specimens    12. Toy and movable books    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Animals / Dinosaurs   

Reviews (20)

Fine book, for whatever it matters
The book is decent. To be honest though, reviewing textbooks is kind of funny. Does it matter what I say? I suppose if you're ordering this book because you honestly just have a burning desire to learn about essential cell biology, well... the more power to you. You'll learn it just fine from this book. If you're just buying the book because it's the required text for your college class (like I expect), well yeah, doesn't really matter what I say, does it?

Essentials grounded!!
I feel this is a very good textbook for molecular biology rookies as well as for pros wanting to revive their concepts ... Molecular Biology of the Cell could serve as an excellent companion book or rather reference book for this textbook ... the cd provided along with theEssential Cell Biology book is a great tool to understand the way things work ... in short, it is a must book for mol bio students to know what they are doing and to do things better:) It could also serve as a great book for biomedical engineers to grasp more of biology and engineer the concepts better. The book is definitely more simplified (kinda an abridged version) and easier to understand than "Molecular Biology of the Cell". Although, the size of the latter makes it look more formidable for beginners, I must add it is indeed a great reference book for researchers!

Pretty Good and Basic
This text is actually really good for beginners or as a refresher.Full of info and very detailed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biochemistry    2. Cytology    3. Life Sciences - Biology - Microbiology    4. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    5. Life Sciences - Cytology    6. Molecular biology    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Biology, Life Sciences    10. Science / Microbiology   

Editorial Review

Inheriting the mantle of revolutionary biologist from Darwin, Watson,and Crick, Richard Dawkins forced an enormous change in the way we see ourselves and the world with the publication of Read more

Reviews (222)

Myth under the guise of 'science'- A warning from a professional logician
If you want to read a Classic of Western Mythology, look no further.This is specious philosophy under the guise of a supposed 'truth' about reality.The tragedy of all this is noticing other reviewers' comments about how the contents of this book negatively influenced their lives.Dawkins belief that we are machines created by our genes is a misleading view of reality, and when evolutionary 'science' catches up with evolutionary 'philosophy,' this view will come out false.This could only be taken seriously by those who are so blinded by the details that they can no longer think straight, so they are not able to figure out where the argument is wrong, let alone realize something IS wrong with it.
A Classic Work
The Selfish Gene is a seminal work in the field of evolutionary studies. This book is not a simple read, but it can definitely be read by the layman interested in the subject. But be warned, you'll have to concentrate. The primary purpose of this book, in my view, is not to explain or defend evolution, per se, but to explain and defend a particular aspect (or flavor) of evolutionary theory:that is, that the Gene is the primary "unit" of selection. This is not universally accepted among scientists, but Dawkins does an excellent job making the case. I, for one, am convinced. Other views include multiple levels of selection, such as the one championed by Stephen Gould. Gould argues that selection occurs at almost every level:gene, organism, species, genus, clade, etc. Gould likens DNA to "bookkeeping". The debate is interesting and worth pursuing; even Darwin allowed for special cases of "group selection" to account for social insects (ants, bees, etc.).
A classic, but nothing new here if you read the 2nd ed.
My only complaint is that, unlike the 2nd edition, which greatly expanded on the 1st edition, including some very useful and clarifying notes by Dawkin's addressing much of the controvery his first edition created, this aniversary edition does not include any new material, other than a new forward.If you are interested in reading this book, a used second edition copy is as good as this one (skip the first edition -- lacks the last two chapters and Dawkins' comentaries).
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Subjects:  1. Life Sciences - Evolution    2. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Evolution    6. Life Sciences | Genetics    7. Popular science    8. Science / Genetics   

Reviews (11)

A Great Short Introduction To Darwin and his Impact
I found this to be just an extremely helpful shorter study of Darwin, pleasantly written, but containing much valuable information packed into its 283 pages.One particular talent of the author is the ability to explain scientific issues in the most understandable fashion--somewhat of an unique talent in my experience.Wisely, the author does not recapitulate the well-trod voyage of the Beagle, but begins his discussion after Darwin's return from this epic voyage in 1836.The central issue simply put:why did it take Darwin better than 20 years after his return to publish "Origin of Species"?To answer this question, the book focuses upon a biography of Darwin during the years prior to the "Origins" publication in 1859.One sees how much data and supporting evidence Darwin had amassed during this period--but still no publication. In fact, it was not until A.R. Wallace sent Darwin a paper from the Far East, which closely paralleled some of Darwin's own ideas, that Darwin sprang into action and produced his monumental book. An entire chapter is devoted to the book itself, the clearest and most understandable compact analysis I have seen. Next, the author addresses (again in a clear and compact chapter) the course of evolutionary thought (and anti-evolutonary thought) that resulted from Darwin's book. As throughout the rest of the book, this chapter is as even-handed and fair as one could wish for. A super bibliography is attached as well. Basically, this is an informative and pleasant reading experience, both for experienced Darwin/evolutionary hands as well as those new to the topic.

Darwin's own secret notebooks and personal letters provided the foundation for this coverage
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin by David Quammen comes to life in a vivid rendition by actor and award-winning narrator Grover Gardner, who brings passion and enthusiasm to this story of Darwin. Darwin's own secret notebooks and personal letters provided the foundation for this coverage, which tells of the evolution of his theory.
Darwin diagnosed
This was pretty good as a diagnosis of Darwin and how he became the man and how he created his ideas. Good points include how he went back to England and stopped collecting for a while until he was inspired by the writing of one of his proteges. We see Charles Darwin, the man, in this book. It lacks pictures and graphs and could have benefitted from them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. England    7. History    8. Life Sciences - Evolution    9. Natural Selection    10. Naturalists    11. Scientists - General    12. Miscellaneous Items    13. Science / Evolution    14. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (12)

book condition good
This book is in very good shape. It is a paper back version but the contents are exactly the same as a hardback version. The pages and chapters are the same. The cover of the book has slightly curled edges due to it being used. Other than that, the book is in good condition.

My Story with Chemistry and Silberberg
I am a chemistry major, that does not translate to "I like chemistry" but more along the lines that it was the only feasible premedical degree major.
excellent introduction to chemistry
The book gives a clear and precise introductio to the mail concepts in chemistry. The excellent graphics, examples and discussions on frontiers of chemistry makes this book very useful, and motivates students to go deepest in knowledge. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Chemistry    6. Science / Chemistry / General   

Reviews (6)

Clearly, an outstanding piece of work!
While Dr. Butler's book on DNA typing is clearly based on experience and profound understanding of the subject, I was most impressed with the readability.I was thrilled to find principles illustrated by examples from current events!Students of science will find this book refreshing.Well written (and edited)!

The Breakthrough in Forensics This Year! - A Must Have Book!
Dr. Butler takes a very complex subject and makes it easy enough for the novice to understand, yet is comprehensive enough for the professional research analyst.It is full of excellent research and observations on one of the most exciting and innovative technologies in DNA research that has been discovered in recent years.This book, without a doubt, will stand the test of time as being the authoritative reference on DNA forensic research.This book is packed with research and information that will enlighten you to the technological breakthroughs that are being made in forensic science.I have heard Dr. Butler speak and read several of his papers.He is without question the expert in DNA analysis with STR markers and this book has the distinction of being the best book ever written on the subject.Get this book, study it and find out why STR markers are the groundbreaking method for DNA analysis.If you are in any way involved with DNA research, you will find this book a desktop reference you will turn to again and again.

Marvelous work!
This book has opened my eyes to the vast world of DNA analysis.It is an invaluable resource to those who want to understand how criminal justice will advance into the new millennium.Butler's text will be the keystone of DNA analysis in the future.I look forward to revised editions as new things arise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Forensic Science    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Science / Genetics   

Reviews (2)

Two accounts by amazon.com
Dear Sirs,
Pathology And Genetics of Tumours of the Soft Tissues And Bones (World Health Organization Classification of Tumours S.)
This is a great book to review bone and soft tissue tumor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Medical    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Pathology    5. Medical research    6. Oncology    7. Reference works   

Reviews (130)

Vital for our survival
After 20 years of researching a variety of potentially transformative subjects and theories, I believe this is the most hopeful and significant material I've yet encountered.I'm especially excited about what this could mean for society.
A cornerstone of mind/body understanding
Bruce Lipton's book sheds a great deal of light on the underlying mechanisms of the mind/body interface.He draws from his background as a cellular biologist, and the research of others, to present an accessible and fascinating description of the response of cells (and life) to the emotional environment.... The writing is clear and enjoyable.... An inspiring book.....
Perfect for those stuck in the old one-gene-one-protein paradigm
I have studied Biology in the 70s and kept current (although I work in different fields mainly). I was very happy to have the latest infos on gene expression and gene importance outside the nucleus spelled out for me.
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Subjects:  1. Cytology    2. Genetic psychology    3. Life Sciences - Biology - General    4. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    5. Molecular biology    6. Psychophysics    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics   

Editorial Review

Explaining what William McNeill called Read more

Reviews (917)

too long
This book REALLY needs an editor. It is just too long. Mr. Diamond goes over the same points over and over in excruciating detail. My solution was just to skip paragraphs detailing exactly how to carbon-date pinecones for the 20th time.
questionable from the beginning
I haven't yet finished the book, but have found reason to doubt the Mr. Diamond in the preface and prologue alone.In the preface, Diamond states that the readers are not about to read a "racist treatise" and that the book doesn't "involve human racial differences at all."Skip a few pages to the prologue and Diamond postulates "Why did New Guineans wind up technologically primitive, despite what I believe to be their superior intelligence?"Is New Guinean a race?Maybe, maybe not... but reverse the statement and then see how the critics chime in.
Not as compelling as "Collapse" but a good read nontheless.
Diamond presents a look at the evolution of various Cultures throughout the World and how geography has played an important part in their developement.The reason that Eurasia and North Africa evolved more highly developed (technologically anyway) cultures was that there was a wider variety of wild plant and animal species that could be tamed by the humans living in those areas following the Ice Age than there was available to humans in other parts of the world.This enabled people in these areas to develope farming societies (which required more specializations than hunter gatherer societies) more quickly than in other parts of the globe.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Civilization    4. Ethnology    5. History    6. Human Geography    7. Life Sciences - Evolution    8. Social Science    9. Social evolution    10. Sociology    11. Evolution    12. Sociology, Social Studies    13. World history    14. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (6)

Excellent book!!
This is one of the most complete and easy-to-read book ever! I have studied with Gerald Karp books since I was an undergraduate student (Biochemistry, and Karp book was always by my side, very useful). This book explain the cellular metabolism, structures (cytoskeleton, microtubules, filaments,genes,relations between genes and proteins, DNA repair, cell cycle, cell signalling, lot of concepts that are not easy to understand at first, Karp does it very simple. You will love this book. I can strongly recommend it. Another excellent book I can recommend is Molecular Biology of the CELL by Bruce Alberts....is excellent! and before you take an exam, I will suggest the "Outline of Molecular and Cell Biology" by the Schaum's series. Well, that's it for now, I wish you the best in your career (I have been there, I know how hard it can be and choose the proper books!) and always remember, keep working and practicing, because practice make the Master!! :)
Great job
The book was in great condition.Seller let me know that the book was in the mail which was nice.

Concise story of cell biology
Another introductory book in the biology of the cell. I would say that the book is divided into mainly two sections, Cell structure and DANA, DANA replications etc. Second part takes almost two thirds of the book. I would prefer to read other Gene books when it comes to that point but for the cell structure, it is not bad. Some colored pictures, computer animations makes it easy to visualize things. Sections called "experimental pathways" scattered throughout the text takes you into current issues related to the subject. They are also quite sophisticated issues rather than practical problems. I think this book requires considerable guidance when read alone. I could not call this book as self sufficient or easy to read one compared to books by Alberts or Baltimore. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cytology    2. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    3. Life Sciences - Cytology    4. Molecular Biology    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Biology, Life Sciences    8. Science / Cytology   

Reviews (3)

Excellent overview of cancer biology
This book provides a comprehensive overview of cancer biology. Excellent as introductory text for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate student. Written by a lasker award winner and one of the pioneers of the molecular biological study of cancer. The accompanying CD has intersting supplimentary material especially the videos that add to the utility of the book. The accompanying poster lists the most common interconnected pathways in cancer. Highly readable and uptodate. Highly recommended for purchase.

The State of the Art as it is Known Today.
This textbook, aimed at the advanced undergraduate and graduate biology and medical students covers the basic biology of cancer at the molecular andcellular level. Research into cancer in many different directions has been continuing at an accelerated pace since about World War II. In 1975 a major breakthrough was made by H.E. Varmus and J.M. Bishop on San Francisco. The result has been the creation of the new branch of biology covered by this book.
Highly recommend
Excellent book! What really amazes me is that -- how can one person know so much about cancer ? Really amazing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cancer    2. Cancer cells    3. Genetic aspects    4. Life Sciences - Anatomy & Physiology    5. Life Sciences - Biology - General    6. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    7. Medical / Nursing    8. Molecular aspects    9. Oncology    10. Pathophysiology    11. Science    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Science / Biology   

Reviews (10)

Creationism by an Other Name
The last few years have seen the explosion of the fight against evolution in the classroom, in the school board, and in the courts. This time it has been not creationism leading the charge, but rather creationism in a new costume: Intelligent Design.Shermer, a former evangelist and creationist, takes up the challenge posed by these anti-evolutionists.The fight is usually framed as science vs. religion, and the author does try to show that this is not a mutually exclusive fight. Evolution's ascendancy does not mean the death of God, though it is true that some leading evolutionists are also strong atheists (Richard Dawkins). A major problem is that evolution is framed in the scientific method, using facts, hypothesis, theories, conclusions and explanations. The intelligent design camp build their case on the negative - `Science can't answer this so therefore it is proof of ID.'This is not how a theory is built.
The difference between science and religion
"Darwinism? Talk about an organized religion with its own inquisition!!!!"
An accumulation of defective reasoning
In his October column in Scientific American the author replicates part of this book, ending with: "The senseless conflict between science and religion must end now...". Quite a dictatorial way to settle the issue, in favor of Darwin's theory of evolution, of course, as that article professes.
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Subjects:  1. Biology (Specific Aspects)    2. Evolution (Biology)    3. Intelligent design (Teleology)    4. Life Sciences - Evolution    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Science / Evolution   

Reviews (1)

The Science of Morality Comes of Age
When Darwin discovered natural selection, he was quick and remarkably insightful as to how this might affect our understanding of our own species, Homo sapiens. Alfred Russel Wallace, the impressive co-discover of the theory, never agreed to its application to humans. He considered our mental faculties far too advanced to be accounted for by the same forces that gave rise to pond scum and even chimpanzees. The debate continues to this very day, and will not be resolved in the forseeable future.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Ethics    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. General    6. Life Sciences - Evolution - Human    7. Moral Development (Psychology)    8. Philosophy    9. Philosophy & Social Aspects    10. Philosophy Of Biology    11. Science    12. Science / General   

Reviews (2)

One of the best
This text is a vast improvement on the previous editions. Its improved vastly on both clarity and content. The figures themselves are excellent learning tools. Combined with uptodate material, it is in my opinion peerless. Its rivals would be lodish and alberts but in some areas complements them and often outshines them. The textbook exists online at ergito.com and you could subcribe for the duration of your course. The website gives you access to the complete material in the print text and you also save a ton of money by subscribing for a shorter period, that is if you find cash an issue. However, I wholeheartedly recommend the print edition as a trusted companion for those embarking on graduate studies.

A great book on biology
Dr. Lewin's work has helped me understand biology and improve my understanding of the sciences. The design and figures in Genes are wonderfully clear, as is the general body of the text.
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Subjects:  1. Cell Physiology    2. DNA    3. Genes    4. Genetics    5. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    6. Life Sciences - Biophysics    7. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    8. Proteins    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. physiology    12. Science / Biophysics   

Reviews (12)

Excellent
The book was received in a very convient time period.It was also in great condition.Again thanks for the fast service.
Great!!
The book arrived within a few days of purchasing it. It is in great condition.

Well developed book
This book was needed for a college course.It was well developed and researched.The information is current and should be a must for all high school or college students.It explains the fundamentals of a humans lifespan.It is a positive, well written, informative book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Developmental - Lifespan Development    2. Life Sciences - Evolution    3. Psychology    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Child & developmental psychology    7. Psychology / Developmental / Lifespan Development   

Reviews (5)

Am Studying for the Biochemistry GRE - This book is golden
I got this book to assist for my prep for the Biochemistry GRE - I know a lot about Biology.So this is a great Book - First, It is very readable - I was surprised I was not able to put it down and knocked off 100 pages in record time.Besided that - it is enjoyable and not dull and boring - Second, The great experiments are given and insight into the science reasoning behind them also. This book makes the discover of genetics, DNA, RNA and protein building come alive. Third, this book is very current with research and cites the papers and journals where the important biology, Genetic, molecular & cell biology was published.That alone would save you the time to research and site these for your own research.Lastly, the pictures and recollections of the experimenters and "who knew who" are a total hoot.

Great Book
This book is an awesome teaching guide but the real prize goes to the CD and animations. Where a subject might be a bit hazy in the text, the flash animations on the CD are clear and concise.

Good book
Some books are just very well written-this is one of them!
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Subjects:  1. Genetics    2. Life Sciences - Biology - Molecular Biology    3. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    4. Molecular Biology    5. Molecular genetics    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Science / Molecular Biology    9. Software engineering   

Reviews (26)

Race Exists
Besides writing an excellent commentary on human evolution, Mr. Wade has done all of us a favor by stating clearly that race exists.He does not suggest that that fact is an argument for discrimination; nor do I.Race is nothing more than an expected biological adapation to different selective pressures.Humans are not exempt from evolution.However, refusing to recognize the obvious biological fact that race exists does more harm than good.In medicine, for example, it is well known that the genetic legacy of different races includes risk factors for different diseases.It is also known that different races respond differently to different diets, different treatments, and different medications.In the last year or so, for example, a new drug designed expressly to treat blacks was approved.How would it be possible to create a drug that is particularly beneficial to a given race if that race does not exist in some biolgically distinct way?The delusional branches of academia have been peddling for years the idea that what we call 'race,' 'gender,' 'homosexuality, and so forth are socially constructed, that they have no independent and verifiable existence, and that they are merely notional creations of our culture.This nonsensical view has survived more by mob-like academic bullying than by facts or arguments.It is time we returned to reality and accept that there are such things as facts, that many of them are discoverable, and that they will not go away just because we do not like them.Nicholas Wade's 'Before the Dawn' is an important step in the right direction.

Manly realism
Nicholas Wade has done in this book a splendid job of describing the prehistory of the human beast, primarily told thru the examination of the differences in the DNA sequences of the peoples of the world. These studies have shown that the human race is divided into geographic groups and subgroups which on the largest scale are seen to be the Caucasian, Asian, and Negro races. This should be no surprise to any observant, sentient being, but the are fashionably denied by certain cultural anthropologists, American sociologists and other academicians who should know better.Wade is quite up to date on the latest findings, and gives a good account of such things as ancestry informative markers, Lewontin's misleading treatment of Fst, the mitochondrial Eve, and the reconstruction of ancient human migrations.He also gives a very lucid account of the evidence from the linguists who study the relatedness and evolution of language to infer how the peopling of the world happened.
Compelling reading, hard to put down.
This as a compelling book. As an adventure story about our ancestors, once started it was hard to put down. Wade's story telling skills are second to none. He even makes the mitochondrial family tree fascinating. Wade's wide ranging book throws into stark contrast the balkanisation of academia. The lessons from genetics are rewriting our history and this book will be controversial as it overturns pet theories in multiple disciplines. For example the anthropology department's true believers in the peaceful, noble savage will not like the conclusion that had tribal warfare casualty rates continued in modern warfare, war deaths in the 20th century would have totalled 2 billion not 200 million! Buy this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Human evolution    3. Life Sciences - Evolution    4. Life Sciences - Evolution - Human    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Social evolution    8. Science / Evolution