“Just about everything you’ve always wanted to know—and a lot you’ll probably wish you didn’t know—about the viruses that have caused humanity so much grief throughout history.”
— Praise for the first edition, Forbes
“In A Planet of Viruses, science writer Carl Zimmer accomplishes in a mere 100 pages what other authors struggle to do in 500: He reshapes our understanding of the hidden realities at the core of everyday existence. . . . Whether he’s exploring how viruses come to America or picking apart the surprisingly complicated common cold, Zimmer’s train of thought is concise and illuminating.”
— Praise for the first edition, Washington Post
“Absolutely top-drawer popular science writing. . . . Zimmer’s information-packed, superbly readable look at virological knowledge awakens readers to the fact that not only are viruses everywhere but we couldn’t live without them.”
— Praise for the first edition, Booklist, starred review
“A smart, beautiful, and somewhat demented book that’s likely to give you a case of the willies. In the best way possible.”
— Praise for the first edition, Boing Boing
"A brief, highly accessible introduction to viruses and their impact on the world. . . . Highly recommended."
— Choice
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2016
— Choice