McCall, D., Stock, D., Achey, P.; Blackwell Science Inc., 2001, 289 pp., ISBN 0-632-04418-7, $19.95. This is the first volume that I have encountered of a new series called ”11th Hour.“ About a dozen more subjects (including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics) are expected to comprise the series. An introductory page, headed ”11th Hour Guide to Success,“ states that the series is designed ”to be used when the textbook doesn't make sense, the course content is tough, or when you just want a better grade in the course.“ Reinforcement of knowledge is repeatedly mentioned as an object of ”this review guide.“ In the preface the authors also promise a quick review, a preview, and a supplement that ”focuses on the more difficult material that requires the most study to master.“ These are very laudable (albeit large) objectives and provide the criteria against which this introduction to microbiology is to be measured. About 40% of the book consists of text proper written largely in very colloquial style. The rest is devoted to topic, chapter, mid-term, and final exam questions of the true/false, multiple choice, and short answer varieties. I found no evidence that these have been pre-tested for clarity or ambiguity. Answers are provided, but only a minority supply any explanation. In this way a good opportunity for reinforcement (by repetition other than in the text or questions) has been missed. The material is organized into three units. First come nine chapters on structure, physiology, and control of microorganisms, then come two chapters on microbial genetics, and finally come nine chapters on medical microbiology, immunology, and environmental and applied microbiology. I found the text to be densely packed with facts. These, of course, are not the same as explanations that enhance understanding. There are far too many spelling errors (in particular of scientific terms and proper names), occasional inconsistencies, and numerous instances of scientific terms and acronyms that are used, sometimes only once, and sometimes more frequently, without any indication of their meaning or other clarification. Only four chapters contain any suggested readings (seven in all), and illustrations (line drawings) appear in only a few chapters. There are numerous icons that indicate that further information (a caution or a hint, an illustration, or simply more explanation) is available via the website of the publisher. Unfortunately my attempts at accessing this site were not successful. In my opinion the second and third units are of better quality in general that the first unit. Chapter 6, which deals with catabolic and anabolic pathways of microorganisms, has to be singled out, because it contains much that will confuse readers and especially those who have already been exposed to this material, but presented correctly, in class or in other textbooks (including those of biochemistry, a subject which many students who are likely to use his book study at the same time as they do microbiology). This chapter should have been scrutinized by someone with the appropriate expertise. As I read this book, I often had the uncomfortable feeling that the authors were more concerned with summarizing (rapidly) the factual contents of far larger books than with focusing on, and bringing about, their stated promises. Any review, editing, or proofing that the book had been subjected to appeared to lack the necessary rigor.