This book is an excellent supplementary textbook, written in simple language and easy to understand even for beginners. All topics related to microbiology are covered - general aspects like techniques, culture and identification of bacteria, bacterial genetics, water, soil and food microbiology and the study of viruses and fungi. Medical microbiology is also discussed, dealing with sample collection and identification of common pathogenic bacteria. The book has a unique style - a basic idea of the topic is given followed by various laboratory methods presented systematically, keeping in mind problems faced by students and also stressing the "do's and don'ts" whilst carrying out various experiments. Diagrams and flow charges help to make learning easier and more interesting. And the final chapters contain instructions on practical exercises written to enable the student to perform them with confidence and ease. This is a superb step-by-step guide for microbiology students.