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Genetics: Macmillan Science Library — Print

"This four-volume encyclopedia covers all aspects of traditional genetics, as well as provides extensive coverage of medical genetics, human genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, and even proteomics... This encyclopedia, suitable for college students, provides a very thorough broad coverage of its subject. The writing is clear, the contributors are well qualified, the illustrations are very clear, and the organization is good and convenient... This set is recommended for academic and larger public libraries."
--ARBA (2004)

"Gr 9 Up — An attractive, well-organized set. The 250+ signed articles cover the history, pioneers, ethical issue, and up-to-date overviews of the science. Entries range in length from two to five pages and open with a concise definition or explanation; subtopics are clearly defined by headings in bold green print. The text moves from pure science to practical applications in language that will not overwhelm readers new to the field. ... The color photos and dozens of useful diagrams and tables throughout add to the work's accessibility. In a field where change in constant, the currency of this set is valuable, e.g. an article on 'Alzheimer's Disease' notes a February 2002 test. Some of the bibliographies include Web sites, and many cite journals and books published within the past three years. This resource is more accessible for neophytes than World of Genetics (Gale); its illustrative material will be more useful than Encyclopedia of Genetics (Salem Press). A good choice for reports and term papers, especially for students in AP classes."
-- School Library Journal (June 2003)

"From Mary Ellen Quinn News and Views column: "Genetics is another in the attractive Macmillan Science Library...series, is particularly appealing to high-school students and the science-challenged adult, and we have recommended all the titles we have received so far."
From the review itself: "Articles range from a few paragraphs to a few pages in length and focus on a variety of topics, including inheritance, genes and chromosomes, genetic diseases, biotechnology, history, careers, and the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with genetically modified foods and cloning. ... The attractive layout features a wealth of colorful diagrams and photographs that will appeal to students as well as the casual browser. The clear and well-written articles are informative and should meet the needs of most students, In addition, users will appreciate the thorough indexing and cross-referencing, which make navigation straightforward. ... Genetics would be a useful resource for middle- and high-school libraries, as well as undergraduate and public libraries."
-- Booklist (April 2003)

"Perhaps because of the rediscovery of earlier experiments on the transmission of traits in garden peas by Gregor Mendel, now considered the father of genetics, the 20th century can be called the genetic century. Interest in DNA, cloning and the human genome have greatly expanded our interests. This volume covers genes and chromosomes; genetic diseases; biotechnology; ethical, legal and social issues; a history of genetics; and careers and biographies of a few famous biologists. Definitions and explanations are called out in the margins. A few, but not many, sidebars offer additional information, while color photographs and charts can be found throughout. One of the more interesting illustrations was the process chart of the cloning of the sheep, Dolly. The 20-page glossary and five-page topic outline are reprinted in each volume, while the cumulative index is in volume four. Your biology teachers will love this reference and should be pleased to have you introduce the set to the classes when genetics is introduced. Recommended."
-- Blanche Woolls and David Loertscher's online Reference for Students (April 2003)