Review by Choice Review
Austin has largely succeeded in providing a concise introduction to marine microbiology for undergraduate and graduate students. Although his focus is primarily on bacteria, with little attention given to algae such as the diatoms, the coverage is fairly balanced and broad. Some of the topics discussed are the general nature of the marine environment, microbiological methods and the estimation of microbial population numbers, the taxonomy of marine microorganisms, ecology and biogeochemical cycles, microbial diseases of marine organisms, beneficial uses of marine microorganisms, and the role of marine microorganisms in biotechnology. The writing is clear and concise, there are many excellent and informative summary tables, and the references are extensive and current. However, there is no glossary and the index is not extremely detailed. The figures are appropriate and useful, but the book would be strengthened by the presence of more illustrations. Currently, very few general introductions to marine microbiology are available; Austin's text satisfies a definite need and will be a useful addition to undergraduate or graduate libraries. L. M. Prescott Augustana College (SD)
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
