This book, written and edited almost exclusively by Indian microbiologists, attempts to cover all aspects of the interactions, both beneficial and harmless, between micro-organisms and human beings. It covers everything from beneficial microbes that produce drugs, including chapters on medicinal plants (not microbes), 'natraceuticals' and fermented foods, to bioremediation, through to infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic parasites. Inevitably the book covers a huge field of knowledge. This is probably its main weakness. The chapters on specific pathogens and diseases such as TB, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella typhi, malaria, candidiasis, SARS and bird 'flu are interesting, but possibly more suited to a medical microbiology/infectious diseases volume, and I am not sure they lie comfortably with the chapters on natural drugs and yoghurts. The depth is generally impressive but the presentation is rather dated with no colour. The editing is of a generally high standard with the notable exception of the page header for the chapter: "Search for an ever elusive 'guardian-angel' novel antibiotic" being written as 'guardian angle'. In summary some readable and informative chapters but I am not sure who would be buying the book.