Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring

Bacteria form a fundamental branch of life. They are the oldest forms of life as we know it, and they are still the most prolific living organisms. They inhabit every part of the Earth's surface, its ocean depths, and even terrains such as boiling hot springs. They are most familiar as agents of
disease, but benign bacteria are critical to the recycling of elements and all ecology, as well as to human health.

In this Very Short Introduction, Sebastian G. B. Amyes explores the nature of bacteria, their origin and evolution, bacteria in the environment, and bacteria and disease. In this new edition, he examines the ethical implications of synthetic bacteria, the evolving technologies used to combat
antibiotics resistance, and the role bacteria play in the evolutionary development of humans.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and
enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Sebastian G. B. Amyes, Professor Emeritus of Microbial Chemotherapy, Edinburgh University

Sebastian G. B. Amyes is Professor Emeritus of Microbial Chemotherapy at Edinburgh University, and author of many research publications as well as the books Antibacterial Chemotherapy (2010), and Magic Bullets: Lost Horizons (2001).