At a time of increasing interest in microbial systematics and biodiversity this highly readable text, the first to cover the subject at undergraduate level, describes and explains both the theory and practice of bacterial classification and identification.

The first part of the book explains why bacterial are classified and how they are named, and covers the practice of classification, including evolutionary studies and identification. The chapter on identification is perhaps the most comprehensive review of this topic for many years, and includes advances in molecular techniques and the use of gene probes for microbial identification.

The applications of the methods are illustrated in the second part of the book which surveys the classification, evolutionary relationships and identification of the major bacterial groups, and outlines the medical, economic and environmental importances of their members. This book should be read by all students taking courses in bacterial systematics, and researchers interested in a broad and up-to-date review of the subject.