Mark Y. Herring is Dean of Library Services at Winthrop University. He has worked in librarianship for more than two decades. He has written numerous books, articles, and scores of reviews for magazines and journals both in and out of the library profession, including The Pro-Life/Choice Debate (Greenwood, 2003).

• List of IllustrationsPrefaceIntroduction"It's Alive!" Public Perceptions of Genetic EngineeringHistory of Genetic Engineering from Mendel to (Genome) MapsSplicing, Dicing and Cloning to Asilomar and BeyondFrankenfood or Miracle Grow? Agriculture Applications of Genetic EngineeringWell, Hell-o Dolly: Animal Applications of Genetic EngineeringWhere No Man (or Woman) Has Gone Before: The Human Genome ProjectThe Doctor Will See You Now: Genetic Engineering and the Treatment of DiseasesJust the Facts Ma'am: Genetic Engineering, DNA Evidence and the CourtsEndgame: Genetic Engineer, Future Trends, Current RecommendationsAppendixIndex

Herring takes a balanced approach in his description of this controversial issue, starting with a review of public perceptions of genetic engineering and the history of the field from Mendel onward. He explains the techniques and how they apply to plants, animals and humans, the treatment of disease, the use of DNA in court cases, and future trends. General readers and students will find the well-chosen biography especially helpful.