Overview

Viruses are disarmingly small and simple. None the less, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the 20th century prior to its eradication in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and hanta virus have caused great public concern.In her fascinating and vividly written book, Dorothy Crawford describes all aspects of the natural history of these deadly parasites, explaining how they differ from other microorganisms. She looks at the havoc viruses have caused in the past, where they have come from, and the detective work involved in uncovering them. Finally, she considers whether a new virus could potentially wipe out the human race.This is an informative and highly readable book, which will be read by all those seeking a deeper understanding of these minute but remarkably efficient killers.

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9780198564812

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Reviews

"`Review from previous edition ""The book is lovingly researched and packed with fascinating anecdotes and I found it extremely difficult to put down...No home is complete without this book, if only as a reminder to wash your hands.""' Press and Journal `The Invisible Enemy is accessbile to the genereal reader, accurate and thought-provoking' Ian Simmons, The Fortean Times `""I recommend The Invisible Enemy to anyone with questions about the nature of viruses and their role in human diseases...The Invisible Enemy is a clear and powerful beacon that penetrates the increasingly dense fog of media reports, folklore and myths""' New Scientist `""Professor Crawford writes in a clear and accessible manner, which successfully conveys her fascination with the subject, and poses lots of interesting questions. Recommended reading for microbiologists; highly recommended for journalists, politicians and the public seeking understanding of big topical issues such as AIDS/HIV and BSE/CJD.""' Microbiology Today `""...this fascinating book provides a rapid and accessible introduction to modern virology"".' Nature"

We feel relatively safe in our environment, since most of its dangers are both identifiable and avoidable. However, there's one potential, insidious killer none of us has any real control over: the virus. Most people are extremely ill-informed about viruses, but Professor Crawford aims to change that with this fascinating readable book. Viruses, says Crawford, are parasites, which have to penetrate living cells in order to survive. They are the smallest and simplest infectious agents identified to date, yet they can wreak havoc in complex and sophisticated organisms such as the human body. Of course, not all viruses kill. Those that do, however, have devastating effects. Before it was eradicated, the smallpox virus killed 300 million people in the last century alone. Since then , we have seen the spread of many differet and often fatal varieties of the influenza virus, Ebola, Dengue fever, Lassa fever, BSE and its associated human form CJD, and the human herpes virus, to name only a few. Probably the most terrifying of all is the AIDS virus, HIV, which has killed over 13 million people, male and female and infected a further 33 million (more than the population of Canada). Then there are countless numbers of less debilitating viruses, such as that which causes the common cold, and many that cause no illness at all. Crawford examines the nature of viruses and how they evolved, how they develop in the body, the various methods they use to survive in the host and how the host fights back. She discusses many specific diseases and viral infections in depth, such as HIV, influenza and chronic fatigue syndrome. She also looks at the future, with an attempt to answer the vital question as who will win this war between man and microbe? Review by SHELAGH BROWN (Kirkus UK)

`Review from previous edition The book is lovingly researched and packed with fascinating anecdotes and I found it extremely difficult to put down...No home is complete without this book, if only as a reminder to wash your hands. ' Press and Journal `The Invisible Enemy is accessbile to the genereal reader, accurate and thought-provoking' Ian Simmons, The Fortean Times ` I recommend The Invisible Enemy to anyone with questions about the nature of viruses and their role in human diseases...The Invisible Enemy is a clear and powerful beacon that penetrates the increasingly dense fog of media reports, folklore and myths ' New Scientist ` Professor Crawford writes in a clear and accessible manner, which successfully conveys her fascination with the subject, and poses lots of interesting questions. Recommended reading for microbiologists; highly recommended for journalists, politicians and the public seeking understanding of big topical issues such as AIDS/HIV and BSE/CJD. ' Microbiology Today ` ...this fascinating book provides a rapid and accessible introduction to modern virology .' Nature

This book is an intriguing look at the world of viruses and in particular the epidemiology of viruses. --Choice<br> I recommend The Invisible Enemy to anyone with questions about the nature of viruses and their role in human diseases...The Invisible Enemy is a clear and powerful beacon that penetrates the increasingly dense fog of media reports, folklore and myths --New Scientist<br> Professor Crawford writes in a clear and accessible manner, which successfully conveys her fascination with the subject, and poses lots of interesting questions. Recommended reading for microbiologists; highly recommended for journalists, politicians and the public seeking understanding of big topical issues such as AIDS/HIV and BSE/CJD. --Microbiology Today<br> .,. this fascinating book provides a rapid and accessible introduction to modern virology. --Nature<br>

<br> This book is an intriguing look at the world of viruses and in particular the epidemiology of viruses. --Choice<br> I recommend The Invisible Enemy to anyone with questions about the nature of viruses and their role in human diseases...The Invisible Enemy is a clear and powerful beacon that penetrates the increasingly dense fog of media reports, folklore and myths --New Scientist<br> Professor Crawford writes in a clear and accessible manner, which successfully conveys her fascination with the subject, and poses lots of interesting questions. Recommended reading for microbiologists; highly recommended for journalists, politicians and the public seeking understanding of big topical issues such as AIDS/HIV and BSE/CJD. --Microbiology Today<br>. ..this fascinating book provides a rapid and accessible introduction to modern virology. --Nature<br>

This book is an intriguing look at the world of viruses and in particular the epidemiology of viruses. --Choice I recommend The Invisible Enemy to anyone with questions about the nature of viruses and their role in human diseases...The Invisible Enemy is a clear and powerful beacon that penetrates the increasingly dense fog of media reports, folklore and myths --New Scientist Professor Crawford writes in a clear and accessible manner, which successfully conveys her fascination with the subject, and poses lots of interesting questions. Recommended reading for microbiologists; highly recommended for journalists, politicians and the public seeking understanding of big topical issues such as AIDS/HIV and BSE/CJD. --Microbiology Today. ..this fascinating book provides a rapid and accessible introduction to modern virology. --Nature

Author Information

Dorothy Crawford is Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Edinburgh.

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