Book Review
The Surprising Archaea describes the discovery, general features, and habits of members of the kingdom Archaea, single celled bacteria-like organisms that were discovered less than 30 years ago. The Archaea receive very little attention from the popular press. However, they (along with their discovery) are fascinating. They thrive in some of the most inhospitable (to us!) environments on earth: deep sea thermal vents, ultrahigh saline waters, and extreme pHs. They have solved some of the problems of life in the completely unique ways. Evolutionarily, they are different from "traditional" bacteria as we are from them. With further study, they may reveal much about the origins of life on earth and also about the evolution of multicellular organisms (animals, plants, etc.)

I enjoyed this book very much. I found the writing both inviting and rigorous. The author chooses examples well and incorporates much about the practice of biology. Some degree of familiarity with biology (and perhaps techniques of molecular biology) would be required to comprehend the text fully. The author includes a chapter-long treatise on "Making a living (obtaining energy)" that I make reference to in my classes often and exemplifies the uniqueness of the biochemistry of Archaea. The Surprising Archaea is an enjoyable introduction to one of the greatest discoveries of the past several decades.

- Barry Logan, Assistant Professor of Biology, Bowdoin College