The sixth edition has been extensively updated; much of the text is new, or re-written, and there are many new references. Over 70 genera of bacteria, listed alphabetically, are described in the Appendix. Cross-references and a detailed index, maximise the accessibility of data.
Reviews of previous editions:
''….a useful survey of the subject for students contemplating specialization.'' —Nature
''Singleton assumes the reader has no prior knowledge of DNA and gene expression, and does an extraordinary job of explaining things from scratch.'' —Quarterly Review of Biology
''….recommended to undergraduates and those seeking clear explanations of basic concepts of bacteriology.'' —Journal of Medical Microbiology