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| Biology (5th Edition) | 
| Authors: Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Lawrence G. Mitchell
Publisher: Benjamin-Cummings Pub Co
Category: Book
List Price: $126.00
Buy Used: $4.00
You Save: $122.00 (97%)
New (7) Collectible (2) from $45.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  103 reviews
Sales Rank: 7264
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 5th
Pages: 1175
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6.3
Dimensions (in): 11 x 8.9 x 1.8
ISBN: 0805330445
Dewey Decimal Number: 570
EAN: 9780805330441
ASIN: 0805330445
Publication Date: February 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Cover wear and may contain some marks or writing. Keen Northwest ships in 2 business days or less. Refunds for any reason if item returned within 30 days of shipment.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Who said text-books are boring... ? June 16, 2005
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Okay, maybe most are.
But this one is definitely an exception!
I was introduced to this text book in my high school's introductory biology class by my teacher's recommendation. I came to own it, however, in a rather unexpected way. (Luck!) The authors of "Biology" have pulled together the material very well. The book is more than just a general overlook of the concepts; but it never becomes over drenched in information; it never becomes bogged down on the details. Details are presented in a way that allows you to maintain grasp over the larger ideas, and it's all made to seem extremely fascinating. Exactly what a biology text book should be able to accomplish!
The book is organized very well. At the beginning of each chapter there is an interesting introduction to the overall topic, which presents you with some very interesting facts and questions to think about throughout the chapter. At the beginning of each chapter there is a more detailed overview and at the end of each chapter there an excellent review of the materials that have been covered. A lot of books of course have these features, but none that I've seen makes such efficient, concise and interesting entries. There are a number of review questions at the end of each chapter, I think that it's a good idea to invest in the "Student Study Guide for Biology" which supports the concepts in the book -- with a lot more questions.
Most importantly, this book is very easy to understand and work with. Unlike some textbooks which require background knowledge of the subjects, or external support to understand the material, this book does not make any presumptions. It's full of diagrams and pictures, and the text is illustrative; the attached CD is an excellent resource as it presents the material in an even more visual way.
This text-book was amazing. I used it as a supplementary resource for my last biology course and I believe I owe my perfect exam mark to it!
 Good book in general, but marred by poor editing and website May 12, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have nearly completed a year of biology with this book. In general it is well written and comprehensive. There are errors here and there; a few terms which appear in the glossary are not in the index, for example. It's rather distressing when all I can find is the glossary entry for a term. In a book that's 1200+ pages and on a topic this huge and complex, a properly cross-referenced index is an absolute essential.
The interviews at the beginning of each unit are worthwhile, if only to give one an idea of biology career possibilities. It's interesting that one of the people interviewed is Dr. Nancy Hopkins of MIT, the same scientist who stomped out in a huff during Dr. Summers' talk at Harvard because of a speculative remark about women and science. Her excuse was that his ideas "nauseated" her. Is this a scientist we should all emulate?
The real weakness in this book is the CD-ROM, which lists comprehensive resources such as animations and tutorials on the book material. Unfortunately, many of these are simply links to the publisher's web page, which requires registration and a 12-month limited access password. After 12 months you need to purchase access by the year, similar to subscribing to a magazine.
In this day and age, a CD-ROM is plenty big enough to store tons of animations, tutorials, documents, html, etc.; clearly the publisher is trying to make a quick buck off the students. Having already spent upwards of $120 for the text and study guide, I am reluctant to sink even more money into this publisher. What's more, other textbook publishers such as Pearson/Prentice Hall provide splendid supplemental websites that are freely accessible.
I wrote Benjamin Cummings a letter about this but did not receive a reply. My advice, therefore, is to buy this book used if possible and do like me and complain vociferously to the publisher to discourage this kind of shoddy practice in the future.
eternally resourceful March 21, 2005
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first used this book for basic bio but as a near graduating student of science I find myself constantly refering to it. It has been great for quick reviews and basic vocab. that doesn't always stick with me. I have had many opportunities to sell this book but I wouldn't part with it for anything. I plan to use it until it falls apart.
Best Biology Book Out There January 6, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
The Campbell and Reece Biology book is one of the best biology books out there. It is extremely well-written; the text is exciting and engaging and includes good examples to reinforce concepts. The illustrations are clear, well-done, and informative. The enclosed CD is an enormous help in studying. It helped me a lot when I was studying for my tests; the animations were particularly useful--they brought to life ideas and concepts from the book.
I used the book in my AP Biology class and I got a 5 on the exam. It's a fantastic book for studying and reading. I could probably learn better from the book than from my teacher.
To comprehensive for an intro bio book December 5, 2004
3 out of 14 found this review helpful
Althought this book is good in displaying the information it contains to much information to be used as a general biology book.
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