I am in awe of the vast knowledge and insights of this well-known soon to be 84 year-old Emeritus Professor at Oxford, famed geneticist and Darwinian scholar. In this, his latest book he expounds on a huge variety of genetic topics from the companion viruses and bacteria to the life cycle of many organisms from viruses to elephants. A recurring theme of the book is the palimpsest of genes defined as the writing over text on top of existing text.
The text is accompanied by startling example photographs, drawings and charts of amazing creatures, large and small. He makes extensive use of the gene’s ability to metaphorically ‘look back’ at its own history to make sense of itself and to predict its future. Several controversial theories are introduced, and his older hypothesis are defended with vigour.
In addition to the 297 pages cited there are 28 pages of Endnotes, a nine page bibliography, and an eleven page index.
Not known for his humility, the author is fond of quoting from his previous books, including The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker, and The Extended Phenotype. His previous hypotheses are also widely reviewed.
I got lost in some of the very detailed discussion and assertions that seemed a bit tenuous to this naive scientist, but I also must admit that I learned a lot, quite enjoyed most of the book and am even more in awe of the complexity of biology.
Still, not as good as The Selfish Gene or The God Delusion, his fierce defence of atheism, in my opinion. Certainly this book is not for someone who is not interested in biology or science, as it is extremely detailed, and absolutely humourless.
3.8/5
Thanks, The Economist.
The Passionate Reader 