Synopses & Reviews
In this dazzling companion volume to a seven–part SBS series (airing November 2002), an award winning journalist collaborates with leading scholars in the life sciences (Stephen Jay Gould, Sarah Hrdy, Mary–Claire King, Steven Pinker, etc.) to tell the compelling story of the theory of evolution starting with Darwin's seminal insights and ending with the cutting–edge developments in 20th century science that have confirmed and extended his findings.
In this remarkable new book, a rich and up–to–date view of evolution is presented that explores the far–reaching implications of Darwin's theory. In a world where species loss is escalating, there are growing pressures on food production and energy resources, and lethal antibiotic–resistant diseases are running rampant, evolution becomes a way of grappling both with our planet's past and it's future.
At a time when controversies surrounding creationism and education are bursting into public consciousness, this book's emphasis on the power, significance, and relevance of evolution will make it a catalyst for public debate. EVOLUTION, the book and the series, marks a turning point in the 150–year debate and will be an indispensable asset to any serious reader with an interest in the life sciences, a passion for truth in education, or a concern for the future of the planet.
Review
"Science writer Zimmer (At the Water's Edge) does a superb job of providing a sweeping overview of most of the topics critical to understanding evolution, presenting his material from both a historical and a topical perspective....[T]he writing is clear and concise, the text is carefully presented." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[D]on't be misled by the polished prose, the gorgeous illustrations, the elegant design or the book's status as a 'companion volume': Zimmer neglects neither underlying biological concepts nor current controversies. His coverage is as thorough as it is graceful. This is as fine a book as one will find on the subject." Scientific American
Review
"[T]he text moves smartly along, and Zimmer's expository conciseness is a high point of the text. He is also commendably clear in explaining the background of the Cambrian 'explosion' a half billion years ago and the highlights of the fossil record since, ultimately encompassing human origins. Popular science that will truly be popular." Booklist
Synopsis
In this dazzling companion to the most important PBS television series this fall, award-winning journalist Carl Zimmer collaborates with leading scholars to tell the compelling story of the theory of evolution--from Darwin to 21st century science
Darwin's The Origin of Species was breathtaking--beautifully written, staunchly defended, defiantly radical. Yet it emerged long before modern genetics, molecular biology, and contemporary findings in paleontology.
In this remarkable new book, a rich and up-to-date view of evolution is presented that explores the far-reaching implications of Darwin's theory. At a time when controversies surrounding creationism and education are bursting into public consciousness, this book's emphasis on the power, significance, and relevance of evolution will make it a catalyst for public debate. Evolution marks a turning point in the 150-year debate and will be an indispensable asset to any serious reader with an interest in the life sciences, a passion for truth in education, or a concern for the future of the planet.
About the Author
Carl Zimmer is the author of At the Water's Edge and Parasite Rex. A former senior editor at Discover magazine, his column on evolution appears regularly in Natural History. He also contributes articles to magazines such as National Geographic, Audubon, and Science. He lives in New York City.