The Greatest Show on Earth
The Evidence for Evolution
by Richard Dawkins
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Bonus Content
The Greatest Show on Earth
Richard Dawkins has eloquently described many facets of evolution in his books. One topic that he has not directly discussed until now is the evidence that evolution is a fact. “At the time, that didn’t seem to be necessary,” he writes in the Preface of The Greatest Show on Earth. “How times change.” His new book sets forth this evidence with an intensity that only Dawkins could muster.
Anyone doubting the Darwinian explanation for life will find Dawkins’ book a revelation. In crystalline prose, Dawkins sets up each creationist objection to evolution and takes it to task, destroying the idea that the natural world needed an intelligent designer. But this book is more than an argument: It is a thrilling tour into our distant past. Taking us through the case for evolution step by step, Dawkins looks at DNA, selective breeding and anatomical similarity. In addition, he explores molecular family trees, geography, fossil imperfections and the stages of human evolution. From accounts of natural selection occurring in actual lab experiments, to how the shape of our sinuses proves that humanity’s ancestors were quadrupeds, to fossil documentation of gradual change from Lucy the australopithecine to us, this is a wild ride.
The Greatest Show on Earth is perhaps the most compelling summary of the fact of evolution ever put into print.
HC. 352pp. 2009.
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster, Inc. ( September 29, 2009 )
Item #: 64-3025
ISBN: 9781416594789
Product Dimensions: 6.125 x 9.25 x 0.0 inches
Product Weight: 24.0 ounces
Another great Dawkins book....
May 09, 2010
A great book to read for all believers in the facts that support evolution. It also gives insight into the pitfalls of beliefs of people in modern societies, and how those are not supported scientifically. Those who are not well informed or have made the decision to be a "history denier" (meaning someone who denies all of the history available to us that supports evolution) should also read this book, and read it with an open mind!
Anyone who wants to remain well-informed and wants to deepen their own understanding of modern science and evolution needs to read this book. I couldn't put it down and still can't stop talking about it!
Reviewer: Mark
Awesome
March 01, 2010
I expect nothing less from Dawkins. However he did ramble on a bit during certain chapters, but over all it was a smooth and enjoyable read.
Reviewer: kasey l
Lots of intriguing info
January 17, 2010
Full of interesting details. For me this book helped to clarify how evolution works. The section on embryology was especially interesting to me. I do miss the color section, since the book refers to the color pictures often. The SciAm book club did send me a copy with the color section, but I thought they had mistakenly sent me a duplicate, so I returned it unopened, before I read the book. Oh well. I still like the book.
Reviewer: Pete
Excellent!
December 22, 2009
Richard Dawkins amazes once again. In 'The Greatest Show On Earth', evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins lays out the evidence for evolution, and shows how creationist arguments are nonsense. The book is easy to read, provides a lot of information, and is quite entertaining. As always, Dawkins conveys science in a fun and interesting way.
I would say this book is intended for people who don't know anything about evolution or know some things, but want to know more. Of course this book will not win over hardcore creationists, which is sad since they are missing out on a beautiful theory and are rejecting evidence.
This book has NOTHING to do with atheism and/or religion. The only semi-religious thing in the book is when he compares evolutionary acceptance among western nations, and concludes (and data agrees) that the most religious nations tend to reject evolution.
Reviewer: Tim
Color plates
November 16, 2009
There was an issue with the books. Confirmation letters have been sent and versions w/ the color plates are being reshipped at no charge
Reviewer: Diane
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