Some people consider taxonomic classification to be a rather dull affair.
It is four years since the publication of the Fifth report of the ICTV and there have been refinements to both content and presentation incorporated into the Sixth report. It has an updated layout, a revised index and a more logical chapter structure which make it considerably easier to use. A new feature is the inclusion of virus diagrams and micrographs, making the report more attractive and informative. In addition there are several interesting new sections outlining the history and role of virus taxonomy. Overall, it is an excellent, well presented and informative volume and a worthy successor to the Fifth report.