Providing basic knowledge and practical information in a clear and concise single volume, this second edition of a bestseller provides in-depth chapters on all aspects of the field, from classical microbiology to genomics. Reflecting recent, sweeping changes in the field, yet retaining the popular format of the original, this edition includes numerous chapter rewrites, expanded chapters from the original, and more than 20 new chapters. Several tables have been updated and revised along with the addition of a new survey table of selected eubacteria.