Best Microbiology Books of 2026

The book "Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide" is a comprehensive guide to identifying over 100 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The book includes detailed descriptions and color photographs of each species, as well as an exploration of their historical and cultural significance. Author Paul Stamets, founder of Fungi Perfecti, provides readers with a wealth of knowledge on the subject of mycology. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating world of mushrooms and their potential medicinal uses.

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life by Ed Yong is a fascinating and informative exploration of the world of microbes and their impact on all living organisms. Yong provides a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of all life forms, highlighting the crucial role of microbes in shaping our identities, protecting our health, and granting us incredible abilities. The book is engagingly written, with a perfect balance of scientific detail and accessible prose. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in microbiology, biology, or simply gaining a greater appreciation for the complexity and wonder of life.

The Good Gut by Justin and Erica Sonnenburg explores the crucial role of microbiota in determining our overall health and wellness. The authors argue that changes to our diet, overuse of antibiotics, and excessive sterilization practices have led to a mass extinction of our gut microbiota, causing a spike in modern health issues. The book offers a new plan for health that focuses on nourishing our microbiota, including recipes and a menu plan. This informative and timely investigation provides safe alternatives to antibiotics, dietary choices that encourage microbial health, and the nourishment of our individual microbiome. Overall, The Good Gut is a groundbreaking work that empowers readers to take control of their long-term health and wellbeing.

Micro Life: Miracles of the Miniature World Revealed is an educational nature book that explores the wonders of the microscopic world. The book provides a comprehensive coverage of the natural world, including all the main groups of living things, and offers a deeper insight into the structure and function of living organisms at a microscopic level. The book is organized according to the main functions of life, making it easy to navigate and understand. The stunning macro photography and microscope imagery, including scanning electron micrographs, make this book a unique and beautiful addition to any nature lover's collection.

Biology (Quick Study Academic) is an updated and expanded version of BarCharts’ best-selling quick reference to biology. The book is an essential companion for students in introductory biology courses and a must-have refresher for higher-level courses. The author, Randy Brooks, PhD, has simplified the complicated subject of biology, from evolution to population genetics, with helpful illustrations and diagrams. The new edition includes more coverage of reproduction in animals. Overall, this book is an excellent study tool that is easy to understand and comprehensive.

Healing is Voltage: The Handbook, 3rd Edition is a book that explains how every cell in the body is designed to run at a certain voltage, and how chronic diseases occur when this voltage drops below a certain level. The author, Jerald L. Tennant, MD, provides readers with a guide on how to measure and correct the voltage in each organ to help heal the body. This book is a must-read for those who want to understand the science behind the body's natural healing process. Overall, Healing is Voltage is a unique and informative read that offers practical advice on how to optimize health by understanding the body's electrical system.

Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple is an updated approach to clinical microbiology with mnemonics, summary charts, and illustrations. It covers a wide range of infectious diseases from Ebola to COVID-19, including the latest diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. The book is ideal for healthcare students and professionals, making it easy to understand complex subjects and develop critical thinking skills. This book is unique in its approach to medical information, making it accessible, and fun to learn.

MUSHROOMS DEMYSTIFIED by David Arora is the ultimate guide for mushroom enthusiasts. With descriptions and keys to over 2,000 species of mushrooms and almost 1,000 photographs, it is the most complete and informative field guide. Arora, a renowned mycologist, provides a beginner's checklist of the most common mushrooms and detailed chapters on terminology, classification, cookery, toxins, and scientific names. The book is not only informative but also enjoyable, thanks to Arora's witty and humorous observations. MUSHROOMS DEMYSTIFIED is a must-read for both beginners and experienced mushroom hunters.

Deep Medicine by Eric Topol is a compelling read that explores the potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing patient care. The book highlights the broken doctor-patient relationship and how AI can transform everything from diagnosis to treatment, reducing costs and human mortality. Topol's vision is optimistic, and he argues that AI can save time, lives, and money. The book is enlightening and provides a gimlet-eyed look at the role of computers in medicine. Overall, Deep Medicine is a unique and important account that should be required reading for medical practitioners and the public alike.

The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World is a captivating and informative book by Steven Johnson. It tells the story of the cholera outbreak in London in 1854, and how a physician and a local curate worked together to solve the medical riddle of their time. Johnson weaves together the histories of disease, cities, and scientific inquiry, resulting in a thrilling and thought-provoking read. The Ghost Map is a masterpiece of storytelling and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine and cities.