Roitt's Essential Immunology, 11th Ed

by Peter J. Delves Seamus J. Martin Dennis R. Burton Ivan M. Roitt, Seamus J. Martin, Dennis R. Burton

Roitt's Essential Immunology - the textbook of choice for students and instructors of immunology worldwide Roitt’s Essential Immunology clearly explains the key principles needed by medical and health sciences students, from the basis of immunity to clinical applications. A brand new introduction sets the scene to section 1, Fundamentals of Immunology, introducing the microbial world and the strategies the body employs to defend itself. Each chapter then guides the reader through a different part of the immune system, and explains the role of each cell or molecule individually, and then as a whole. Section 2, Applied Immunology, discusses what happens when things go wrong, and the role the immune system plays alongside the damaging effects of a disease, including cancer, immunodeficiency, allergies and transplantation and the beneficial effects of vaccines. The 13 th edition continues to be a user-friendly and engaging introduction to the workings of the immune system, whilst supporting those who require a slightly more detailed understanding of the key developments in immunology. The content has been fully updated throughout and
Roitt's Essential Immunology is also supported by a companion website at www.roitt.com

Genres: Medicine, Biology

492 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Serhii Kushchenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

This immunology textbook adequately fulfills its purpose. It could arguably be considered one of the best in the field. It has significantly enhanced my knowledge and comprehension of the subject. However, it lacked the inspirational quality I found in the organic chemistry textbook by Klein and the biochemistry textbook by Berg and Tymoczko. Those textbooks were notably superior in terms of engagement and clarity.

The book doesn't explain some key issues adequately, especially regarding the causes and mechanisms of autoimmune diseases in the last chapter. It may be because science still poorly understands these matters, lacking clear answers. The interactions among the numerous components of the immune system are highly complex. Explaining them in simple terms is not an easy task, perhaps even impossible.

The book delves excessively into the intricacies of biochemistry and genetics, in my view, reaching a point of oversaturation. Memorizing numerous gene names for immune system components and obscure proteins known to only a handful of scientists seems impractical.

I suggest relocating most biochemical and genetic details to supplementary materials to prevent overwhelming the main chapters. I am reducing my rating of this book because the authors haven't bothered to do it. Also, the interactive questions on the supplementary website indicate the authors' tendency to burden their students with memorizing information easily accessible through online searches.

Before diving into this book, it's essential to have a solid understanding of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. Also, I strongly recommend reading the book "How the Immune System Works" by Lauren M. Sompayra.