The first several chapters are weak ( actually kinda suck ) and then it gets better. The last four chapters are very good. This is another ' who is this book supposed to be for ? ' example however. ( )

Clearly written but fairly detailed presentation of the structure, nature, functions, and mechanisms of the basic unit of life. The author also discusses the history scientific investigations that discovered the cell and theories about how life might have arisen. ( )

Detailed but readable account of cells as the fundamental unit of life. The author describes the chemical reactions the provide the mechanisms that govern the firth, death, and operations of these basic units of life. He also offers interesting theories regarding the origin of life. ( )

This bloke doesn't mess around.

Here he serves up a huge amount of information in a confined space and manages to make it feel like a walk in the park.

I am studying a second year biology degree course and this book covers the same material that my textbooks take 600 plus pages to introduce and he does it in just over 200. Obviously you don't get all the fine detail but he certainly doesn't skimp too much.

The subject matter should fascinate you because it is you. We are used to popular science tackling broad concepts like evolution or relativity. Sometimes we get a narrower theme such as stars or atoms. Wolpert must think that all these folks are just softies, he goes for a huge subject and covers practically all of it. Cell biology and the nature of life plus not a bad stab at the meaning of life (ok I'm reading between the lines a little there).

Entertaining and enlightening, two of my favourite words. Go buy it. ( )

The first several chapters are weak ( actually kinda suck ) and then it gets better. The last four chapters are very good. This is another ' who is this book supposed to be for ? ' example however. ( )