The Good Virus

Praise

A colorful redemption story for the oft-neglected yet incredibly abundant phage. . . . Ireland, an award-winning science journalist, approaches the subject of his first book with curiosity and passion, delivering a deft narrative that is rich and approachable.—Alex Johnson, The New York Times Book Review

As engaging as it is expansive, The Good Virus describes the distinctive biology and murky history of bacteriophage (generally shortened to ‘phage’), a form of life that is remarkably abundant yet obscure enough to have been termed the ‘dark matter of biology.’ —David A. Shaywitz, Wall Street Journal

Incredibly timely.—Adrian Woolfson, Science

Both optimistic and realistic. . . . A capably guided tour of a scientific wave of the future.—Kirkus Reviews

A masterful blend of jaw-dropping science and absorbing storytelling. . . . This book reminds us of the missed opportunities we simply cannot afford to miss again.—George McGavin, BBC and Discovery Channel presenter

A new scientific frontier which couldn’t be more fascinating or vital. Phages are critical to our health, and the health of the whole planet. Brilliantly written and profound, this book is ahead of the curve and deserves to become a classic.—Daniel M. Davis, author of The Beautiful Cure and The Secret Body

It is rare to find such a rich seam of science that is so pertinent to modern health concerns yet feels so underrecognized. Everybody knows about good bacteria, but I doubt they have heard of good viruses (I hadn’t). . . . This book is full of gems of information and hope for the future.—Suzanne O’Sullivan, author of The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness

Incredible and thought-provoking. Phages are the superheroes of the human biome. A truly enlightening read that makes you realize what we really don’t yet know.—Sue Black, president of St John’s College, Oxford, and author of Written in Bone

This thrilling book will amaze you. Viruses have been attacking bacteria since the dawn of time, but in the last century some scientists have been able to enlist them in the fight against bacterial infections. Tom Ireland’s limpid writing tells the exciting story of the past and future of ‘phage therapy,’ balanced by a sober exploration of the problems involved in turning the good viruses into treatments. Highly recommended.—Matthew Cobb, author of Life’s Greatest Secret: The Race to Crack the Genetic Code

An enthralling, meticulously researched book that will change the way you think about not only viruses, but also the science behind discovery and rediscovery.—Steffanie Strathdee, author of The Perfect Predator: A Scientist’s Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug