This exciting new introductory level microbiology text is appropriate for students in a wide variety of life science, health science, and applied science programs. The authors, known for their compelling writing, introduce topics in microbiology using engaging biological problems and case studies. Recurrent themes embrace the delicate balance between microbes and humans and the ways in which recent changes in that balance may bring about the emerging infectious diseases and resistant microorganisms so much in the news today. This innovative text covers all the essential topics of classic and contemporary microbiology in a standard one-term course and will light a fire in readers for learning about the fierce beauty and exquisite diversity of the microbial world around us.