Immunity provides a succinct and straightforward approach to appreciating a complex biological system ridden with intricacies — the immune response. The aim of the text is to guide the readers through the building blocks of the immune system in both health and disease. The early sections of the book detailing the functioning of both the innate and adaptive arm of the immune system provide a framework in which to appreciate and understand the importance of immunology in today’s world, as covered in later chapters. The emphasis on applied immunology covering a wide terrain ranging from the immune response to bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, autoimmunity, allergy, transplantation immunology, tumor immunity, and vaccination is a delight to see.
The authors obviously have made a conscientious effort to provide complete coverage of the field without overburdening the reader with excessive detail. The clear layout of short self-contained units and brilliant illustrations makes it an ideal guide for both instructors and students alike. Furthermore, the modular layout of the book with each chapter in the book divided into a two-page section containing text, illustrations, definitions, and up-to- date references makes it a suitable reference source for the busy “Working Immunologist.” This book is clearly a precious resource for anyone and everyone interested in understanding the immune system in its extraordinary diversity.
On the editorial side, one must point out that though the text is generally an easy read, highlighting the reference section creates a distraction and draws attention away from the main text. Additionally, having a summary in bullet form at the end of each chapter would help assist in driving home the main points and also serve as quick refreshers. Finally, to make a more concise textbook an appendix or chapter on the tools available to the immunologist or on the research papers quoted in the text would have been helpful.