Practical Flow Cytometry, 4th Edition

Practical Flow Cytometry, 4th Edition Author: Howard Shapiro Bibliographic Data: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2003. ISBN: 0-471-41125-6, 681 pp, hard cover, $119.00. Reviewer's Expert Opinion: Description: This is a truly comprehensive book on everything you could ever want to know about flow cytometry. Purpose: The purpose of this book is to be THE reference book on flow cytometry. This is the fourth edition of this book, and there is no question that it is THE reference book on flow cytometry! Audience: This book would be useful to anyone who uses flow cytometry or relies on this technology for their research or clinical care. Features: This book continues in its grand tradition of being the “bible” of flow cytometry. I cannot adequately describe its depth and breadth, so I resort to sheer astounding numbers to portray its comprehensiveness—566 pages of 10 point font, surprisingly few illustrations (yes, it's primarily text), 3,685(!) references. In briefly skimming the book, I was overwhelmed by the massive amount of information. No question that I'll have this book within easy reach whenever I field questions about flow cytometry! A really nice touch in this book is the author's chatty (and sometimes quirky) writing style. The reader will not only find accurate and complete factual information, but will also appreciate flow cytometry-themed lyrics to sing to the tune for famous melodies, Shapiro's various (and amusing) laws, and helpful tips (including the final one that warns the user to never use a staff to smite a clogged cytometer). The author's humor and conversational style makes interesting reading and the information incredibly accessible. A major difference between this and the third edition is the elimination of the section on the “do-it-yourself” flow cytometer (e.g., “cytomutt”)—the author's acknowledgement of the widespread penetration of commercial systems in the field. In this regard, there is a very helpful chapter listing the various manufacturers and companies from which reagents can be purchased. Finally—and rare in these types of comprehensive books—there is touching recognition to those who were pioneers in this field. A really nice human touch to a very complex subject. Assessment: Wow! You need this book if you use flow cytometry. Get it!