Remaking Eden: How Genetic Engineering and Cloning Will Transform the American Family – Accessible Science on Enhancement, Unimaginable Possibilities, and Provocative Dilemmas

by Lee M. Silver

Could a child have two genetic mothers? Will parents someday soon be able to choose not only the physical characteristics of their children-to-be, but their personalities and talents as well? Will genetic enhancement ultimately lead to a split in the human species? In this brilliant, provocative, and necessary book, Lee M. Silver takes a cautiously optimistic look at the scientific advances that will allow us to engineer life in ways that were unimaginable just a few short years ago—indeed, in ways that go far beyond cloning. In clear, engaging, and accessible prose, Silver demystifies the science behind a myriad of thrilling and frightening new possibilities, in a book that is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the hopes and dilemmas of the American family in the twenty-first century.

Genres: Science, Biology, Nonfiction, Genetics, Popular Science, Philosophy, Technology

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

About the author

Lee M. Silver is an American biologist. He is a professor at Princeton University in the Department of molecular biology of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs

Reviews

[Jason]

I read this book in 2009, at which point it is 13 years old, however the general overview of the technology of Genetic Engineering is a pretty good overview of what is possible today and the reasons why scientists are pushing the envelope of human genetic engineering or as Silver calls it reprogenetics.

The last part of the book is garbage. He says that the human specie will split into multiple species because the rich will get all the genes and the poor will get nothing. Of course those with means are early adopters of expensive technology, however as time progresses, technology is diffused with lower costs. The rich don't own all the horseless carriages, the rich don't horde all the computers to themselves, etc.

[Peter]

Silver is a professor at Princeton University and this book from the late 1990s is a very decent introduction into the host of issues that arise naturally with the invention of genetic engineering. There are no easy answers when it comes to the power of genetic theorizing and the consequences of the creation of startling powerful new technologies. Silver is a great place to start the thinking about the issues...keeping in mind that much has changed in the science law and economics of the field since he wrote the book in the late 90s. Having issued that 'warning' nothing has happened to prove Silver to have been wrong-headed.

[Cassandra Kay Silva]

I love studying genetics, and have always had a special fascination with genetic engineering. I do really believe that genetic engineering will lead to two distinct class systems based on money. Honestly, I can say that there is not any "thought experiment" in this book that I have not run through in my mind already, and frankly I think there are better ways to present this information than what was outlined in this book. I will consent that for its time then information would have been current, but much needs to be added in this subject.

[Erica]

I want to genetically engineer my babies.

[Jay Wickett]

An interesting insight into the ethics of genetically growing and altering human embryos that plays off some ideas presented in my favourite novel, Brave New World.

I did enjoy the ethical dilemmas proposed and it made me think deeply about the rights of embryos, the future of childbirth, and why we need human logic to discuss these ideas as pure science alone begins to confuse and cross facts. I always like reading a book written a while before the present, speculating how our lives today will be and being fairly off.

However, the book was difficult to read at many, many points. I can’t blame the book, as it is written in a more scientific perspective with proper terminology and practices; but it did mean a lot of skimming and re-reading to feel involved.

Wasn’t my favourite; but made me think.

[Krisztian Toth]

It should have an updated version!

[Destiny Matthew]

3.5

[Dan Zarfati]

This book explains to the layman the dilemas of repogenetics, as such it is quite interesting and goes into some interesting techinical aspects of human reproduction, however in terms of thinking.

[Kimberly Jordan]

This is written by the a professor from one of my favorite classes in college: Human Genetics, Reproduction and Public Policy. It's a very interesting and provocative look at potential uses of genetic engineering and reproductive technologies and the moral questions that arise when facing these scientific advancements.

[Lauren]

a little dated (understandably), but gives an interesting perspective on the future of reproduction and our genetic destiny

[Mary]

i dont really like it because of all the controversial tpics it brings up but the science and debate is fascinating

[Veronica]

very futuristic...

[Robert]

I read this for a project I was working on for the Franklin Institute. I don't recall much of it now a decade later.

[Kristi]

Very entertaining and interesting overview of genetic engineering and ethical aspects related to this business

[Krys]

I was assigned to read this book for my research class. The issues brought up in Silver's novel shows the many pro's and con's about genetic engineering.

[Joseph Key]

Very good book if you are into genetic engineering and the future of science