Viruses examines all the aspects of viruses that are essential for understanding them--their diversity, behaviors, life cycles, and much more. Written in a nontechnical and easy-to-follow style, the book covers what viruses are and where they come from; how they transmit and evolve; the battle between viruses and hosts, including immunity and vaccination; viruses that are good for us; the critical role viruses play in the balance of earth's ecosystems; what makes a virus--including COVID-19 and influenza become pandemic in plants or animals; and the cutting-edge research that is discovering thousands of new viruses. Each chapter concludes with stunningly illustrated profiles that highlight key viruses.

Marilyn J. Roossinck is professor emeritus of virus ecology at Pennsylvania State University. She spent her career working on the ecology and evolution of viruses, focusing on plant and fungal viruses, and she pioneered the research areas of plant virus discovery and beneficial viruses. She is the author of Virus: An Illustrated Guide to 101 Incredible Microbes (Princeton).