The photos are stunning and the text is obviously written by someone totally enthusiastic over the subject of microscopy. Yet Nachtigall never lets enthusiasm substitute for knowledge. This is for its shortness a very well-researched book. The only quibble I could make with it is that the classification of organisms is not up to date (the book was published in 1996), but this is a minor problem, especially considering the huge amount of changes made in our classification schemes over the last few years and the fact that we still are not sure of the ultimate structure of the tree of life.

If you are interested in amateur microscopy and can afford only one book, this would be it!


Tells you everything !   April 6, 2002
 28 out of 28 found this review helpful

This is an incredible book that deals with every aspect of the microscope including buying the right one, and adding components. It is important to have a reference, so that as you grow in your need for understanding, you have a reference handy. When I needed to measure my observations, there was the section on calibrating the eyepiece reticle with the stage micrometer. Whether you want to prepare slides, or observe live specimens, or take photos through the microscope- Mr. Nachtigall has covered the subject in a readable clear concise way. I can't begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed using the microscope by following the various suggestions and instructions provided in this book. The sections on color filters and various types of lighting are critical for true enjoyment. The technical sections are also key to getting the most out of your image all the time. Truly a landmark book for the amateur as well as the student or serious hobbyist. Packed with photos, diagrams, and beautifully written understandable text. I've actually watched the quality of my microphotography improve as I've read and re-read the book. When you buy accessories (like phase contrast stuff) you don't always get instructions! This book IS your instruction manual for everything microscopic. My favorite book on microscopy- without a doubt.


A wonderful book both for beginners and the more advanced.   April 18, 2001
 38 out of 38 found this review helpful

For anyone who may be looking for a good introduction to microscopy, it's doubtful that there could be any better book. Nachtigall, who clearly loves his subject, writes with great enthusiasm and has packed an enormous amount of useful advice and information into its 160 pages.

The first thing that struck me about the book was how well-balanced it is. Nachtigall, who is an authority on microscopy, seems to have wanted to create a book which would be of equal value both to the absolute beginner and to the more advanced student. In this he has succeeded admirably, and I was particularly impressed by the great wealth of useful advice a beginner will find here, advice which runs all the way from how to buy, understand, and use a microscope through to how to collect and view plant, animal, and inorganic specimens. More advanced students will probably find much to learn from his detailed treatment of microphotography procedures and techniques.

The second thing that struck me about this book were its incredibly beautiful color photographs and microphotographs, all of which are the work of Nachtigall himself. He is clearly a master of the art, and his stunning photography is itself worth the price of the book. Unlike the photographs in a book such as D. J. Patterson's 'Free-Living Freshwater Protozoa,' which, though generally good, are small and often dark and not overly clear, Nachtigall's are large, bright, exremely clear, and beautifully reproduced. The book also includes many black and white photographs and drawings of specimens, items of equipment, and techniques and procedures which are designed to help the reader understand matters which can at times be rather technical.

The book falls into two parts, the first of which, on equipment and techniques, has chapters on The Microscope, Optics, Illumination, Photomicrography, and Drawing and Measuring. With the second part we move into the world of Plants, The Animal Kingdom, Inorganic Structures, and Aquatic Microorganisms. The book, which is stitched and well-printed on high-quality glossy paper, concludes with a list of international suppliers and addresses, and an index.

Since the many things one can look at under a microscope had to be covered by Nachtigall in just eighty pages, his survey is necessarily sketchy. Although his photographs enable us to clearly discern their structures, one will, for example, learn little of the fascinating lives and amazing talents of aquatic microorganisms. Readers who may have become interested in studying protozoa should try to locate a copy of Eric V. Grave's 'Using the Microscope: A Guide for Naturalists.' Although this book is unfortunately out-of-print, it is written in an equally engaging style and serves wonderfully to complement Nachtigall.

Whereas Nachtigall will probably leave you wanting to dash into town to look for a good microscope (though before you do you might check out Hermester Barrington's five-star review of the Meade 9400), I've no doubt that Grave will send you scurrying off to the nearest pond to search for protozoa to put under it. All three of these writers love their subject, and I should warn you that their enthusiasm is infectious.