"Hall takes readers on an illuminating historical tour of the human microbiome, arguing that we should consider extending the conservationist agenda to the many parasites that call us home. The most thought-provoking book I've read in ages."--J. R. McNeill, author of "The Webs of Humankind" and "Something New Under the Sun"

"This book will change everything you thought you knew about parasites. Hall takes us on an exhilarating journey, upending preconceptions and accepted wisdom, and encouraging us to embrace our inner parasites."--Nicole Boivin, Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology and honorary professor, School of Social Science, University of Queensland

"The thought of parasites usually evokes a powerful reaction of repugnance. Yet Hall puts a positive spin on this group of biological freeloaders that comprises more than half of all species of life on Earth. Acknowledging that many parasites are pathogens (causing disease in humans, wildlife, plants, and crops), he points out that numerous others function as collaborators or benefactors to their hosts in relationships known as mutualism."-- "Booklist"