Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology

The History of Bergey's Manual.- On Using the Manual.- Procaryotic Domains.- Classification of Procaryotic Organisms and the Concept of Bacterial Speciation.- Identification of Procaryotes.- Numerical Taxonomy.- Polyphasic Taxonomy.- Overview: A Phylogenetic Backbone and Taxonomic Framework for Procaryotic Systematics.- Nucleic Acid Probes and Their Application in Environmental Microbiology.- Bacterial Nomenclature.- Etymology in Nomenclature of Procaryotes.- Microbial Ecology-New Directions, New Importance.- Culture Collections: An Essential Resource for Microbiology.- Intellectual Property of Procaryotes.- The Road Map to the Manual.- Domain Archaea.- Phylum AI. Crenarchaeota phy. nov..- Phylum AII. Euryarchaeota phy. nov..- Domain Bacteria.- Phylum BI. Aquificae phy. nov..- Phylum BII. Thermotogae phy. nov..- Phylum BIII. Thermodesulfobacteria phy. nov..- Phylum BIV. "Deinococcus-Thermus".- Phylum BV. Chrysiogenetes phy. nov..- Phylum BVI. Chloroflexi phy. nov..- Phylum BVII. Thermomicrobia phy. nov..- Phylum BVIII. Nitrospirae phy. nov..- Phylum BIX. Deferribacteres phy. nov..- Phylum BX. Cyanobacteria.- Phylum BXI. Chlorobi phy. nov..- Phylum BXIII. Firmicutes.

Bergey's Manual is relied upon worldwide as it is the most comprehensive and authoritative work of its kind. Since publication of the first edition, the field of systematics has undergone revolutionary changes, driven by advances in molecular biology, leading to a classification of prokaryotes based on ribosomal sequencing. The list of named species has more than doubled since the first edition and descriptions of over 2000 new and realigned species will be included in the new edition along with more in depth ecological information about individual taxa and extensive introductory essays.

From the reviews of the second edition:

"The second edition of this well respected set is in the process of being published. This review is based on volume 1 ... and there are 5 volumes expected for completion. Volume 1 contains a wealth of information, particularly in background material. ... Bergey's Manuals are well-known, authoritative works in the field of bacteriology. This new edition is no exception, and should be included in all academic libraries and collections supporting research in this field." (Teresa Bowden, E-Streams, Vol. 5 (10), October, 2002)

"At first glance, the first and second editions of the determinative Manual look reassuringly similar. ... More careful examination reveals a massive transformation; systematic bacteriology has changed for ever. ... Happily the changes are reflected in the growth of the introductory chapter ... . The reading of these generally well-written introductory chapters is essential for the proper understanding and use of the new edition.... the manual has developed greatly, its standard of excellence remains unchallenged." (Max Sussmann, Microbiologist, Vol. 4 (1), 2003)

"The second edition of Bergey's Manual is finally arriving on our bookshelves and promises to be well worth the wait. ... The Second Edition continues the high reputation of earlier volumes in the delivery of the descriptions of taxa. ... One of the delights of the book is the extensive range of beautiful photomicrographs of obscure and bizarre microbial cells. This book is an essential purchase for the library and, given the reasonable price, well worth considering by the individual microbiologist ... ." (Fergus Priest, Microbiology Today, Vol. 29, 2002)