Book Review

Encyclopedia of Virology

N Engl J Med 1994; 331:1101October 20, 1994

Article

Encyclopedia of Virology
Edited by Robert G. Webster and Allan Granoff. 1622 pp. in three volumes, illustrated. San Diego, Calif., Academic Press, 1994. $475. ISBN: 0-12-226960-8

The Encyclopedia of Virology is a three-volume set encompassing the contributions of 270 leading international scientists, researchers, and clinicians in the field of virology. The entries cover the biologic, molecular, and medical aspects of animal, insect, plant, and bacteriophage viruses. The material is presented in the form of minireviews.

The Encyclopedia is user friendly. A guide to the use of the encyclopedia at the beginning of each volume provides the reader with detailed information on how to locate a topic quickly. The Encyclopedia itself is arranged in alphabetical order and is extensively cross-referenced. Each volume has its own table of contents as well as a complete index to all three volumes. The print is large and legible, and frequent subheadings direct the reader to the appropriate material. The many photographs, figures, and tables enhance the text.

The entries cover both individual viruses and families of viruses. Examples of important members of each virus family are included. Each article describing a particular virus contains the most recent taxonomic information as well as a complete review of its biologic, molecular, and medical aspects. In addition, general articles focus on topics such as the effects of viruses on the immune system and the role of viruses in oncology and gene therapy. Because each entry is self-contained, there is some repetition and overlap between the various entries. However, these repetitions are helpful in that the reader does not have to search through several entries to obtain information. Each article is limited in length and therefore in scope, but the contributors have endeavored to present the most pertinent information. Each entry concludes with a list directing the reader to other entries within the Encyclopedia that are relevant to that article. References to recent review articles on the subject are included at the conclusion of each entry. The contributors address the rapid changes in the field of virology by including in each article a brief section on the future of that particular subject.

The editors state that their goal in the Encyclopedia of Virology was to bring together the basic and practical aspects of virology in a concise form to provide a rapid synopsis of each area for both the professional and the interested lay reader. In this task, they have succeeded very well. The entries are well written and easy to locate and provide a wealth of information.

The Encyclopedia would be a valuable addition to the reference libraries of medical schools, veterinary schools, graduate schools, and hospitals. Although the set is expensive, microbiologists, immunologists, and infectious-disease specialists would also find it useful. The Encyclopedia will need to be revised regularly to keep up with the rapid changes in the field of virology. The editors have not stated how they intend to deal with revisions. One hopes that they will supply addendums to current owners rather than requiring them to buy an entire expensive new edition.

Penelope H. Dennehy, M.D.
Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903