Reddit reviews Biochemistry, 4th Edition

I like Voet & Voet for introductory general biochemistry.

Principles of Physical Biochemistry is a good selection for an introduction to biophysical chemistry. You will need a sound foundation in physical chemistry to make the most out of this book, though.

Alan Fersht's Structure and Mechanism in Protein Science is another good choice, especially if you want to firm up your understanding of the essentials of enzymology and protein folding.

1st pass:
Get your hands on Brock or Prescott (standard microbio textbooks) and read the chapter on Archaea. These books are good if you want an overview of the group in general, but if you want something more specific, this isn't the book.

2nd pass:
Get your hands on Bergey's Manual of Systemic Bacteriology. My microbio professor who works on Archaea swore by this book. Depending on the edition, you will find notes on the various species and genera that are not only interesting but also help in their classification.

For general principles of protein folding and stability, I would recommend the following:

1. Voet and Voet
   
   
2. Petsko and Ringe
   
   
3. Lehninger

Voet and Voet. I swear by this book. It's damn near encyclopedic.