"Microbe", a brand-new, general microbiology textbook intended for upper-division undergraduate and beginning graduate courses, is an exciting introduction to the world of microbes. With a distinct ecological and evolutionary orientation, "Microbe" invites readers to partake of the most current advances in the field. Written by prominent scientists with practical teaching, textbook writing, and research experience, this new textbook will engage students in the learning process with its clear, reader-friendly style and unique perspective of the field. This work: emphasizes the roles of microbes in sustaining all life on Earth; presents paradigm-driven material in a clear, reader-friendly style; deals with the complexities of medical microbiology from the standpoint of both the microbe and its human host; provides unifying frameworks for understanding microbial metabolism and physiology; offers study questions at the end of each chapter for reinforcement of material covered; and, features companion Web site with valuable student resources that is regularly updated by authors.