This is a gem. Not on many lists, I found this hardcover version at a used book store. By Margaret Anderson and published in 1965 for the American Museum of Natural History, it is a broad ranging classic. It is a beautifully illustrated, picture filled book that details the history of microscopy and the science of microbiology. The great scientists honor its pages, and one finishes reading with a very good appreciation for cell biology, inmmunology, virology and genetics. Discovering this work was a dream come true. The self taught Van Leeuwenhoek is certainly an inspiration. Pasteur, Koch, Lister and other notables also give life to the science discussed. After finishing the book, I ordered their individual biographies. A reprint is available in paperback on Amazon.