Product Description

This is an authoritative introductory text that presents biological concepts through the research that revealed them. "Life" covers the full range of topics with an integrated experimental focus that flows naturally from the narrative. This approach helps to bring the drama of classic and cutting-edge research to the classroom, but always in the context of reinforcing core ideas and the innovative scientific thinking behind them. Students will experience biology not just as a litany of facts or a highlight reel of experiments, but as a rich, coherent discipline. The new edition contains new chapters and essays, an enhanced art programme, and standard setting media and supplements.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #206219 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1121 pages

Journal of Biological Education
'The great strength of this book is that it provides a comprehensive and well written coverage of the entire field of biology, superbly illustrated in full colour and at an affordable price.'

About the Author
WILLIAM K. PURVES, Harvey Mudd College, USA - DAVID SADAVA, Claremont Colleges, USA - GORDAN H. ORIANS, University of Washington, USA - CRAIG HELLER, Stanford University, USA

Customer Reviews

From a non-biology background, it'a awesome
I'm a physics Ph.D. who decided to learn a little bit about biology from one book. I bought this book and it hasn't disappointed me one bit.

I don't know how it fairs as an undergraduate textbook but from my perspective of a broad understanding of science but lacking the details of biology it was excellent. Giving a sweeping, concise overview from biochemistry of cells to anatomy of mammals, it's all good stuff. The author's stated intention to have the theory of evolution underpin all topics is very satisfying and gives a unifying feel that prevents the book being becoming a 'stamp collection'. Also, with it's repeated emphasis on experimental testing of hyposthesis it attempts to put a bit more hard science into the minds of the student and reminds one that these are facts, not mere guesses.

It's fantastic as an overview and has a huge amount in it. But i suspect that it is more of an entry-level undergraduate text and a person approaching the end of their degree would need more detail.

This book is incredibley helpful and makes things very clear
I would very strongly recommend this book to anyone studying any of the biological sciences at university, particularly for the first year. Most courses at that stage are very broad and if you were to buy all the books required to cover all the subjects you would spend a fortune. This book covers almost everything and is very clear. You may well need to read more specialist books as well from the library but this gives a very firm background. The diagrams are excellent and any book that can help me pass first year biochemistry must be pretty awesome. Everything is explained very clearly and even the most difficult topics are made to seem less horrific. I used my book time and time again even after first year because it is always a good start on a topic. If you understand the more basic elements of something, the more complex stuff is bound to be easier. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone doing biology or any related subject. It`s worth every penny!

Excellent reference book and a must for biologists - Buy it!
This book is excellent and last year saved me from imminent disaster in my exams. Its layout is very easy to follow and EVERY subject (biology-related) is covered superbly in suprising detail, with easy diction, clear diagrams and stunning photographs. Every subject is explained 'from stratch' and leads to more a complex degree-level basis throughout each chapter.

Many friends have commented on how useful they have found LIFE as a general starting point for researching an essay topic, as it gives excellent overviews of topics that in some cases, you have little or no knowledge of.

This book, accompanied with the CD disk is EXCELLENT VALUE and is an essential companion to every biology student or anyone with an interest in this subject. A brilliant investment - BUY IT NOW!!!!