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The Genetic Book of the Dead: A Darwinian Reverie
One of the world's great science writers and a book that reflects on the vast arc of evolutionary history and what it tells us about life on earth. How much do we really know about our past? For centuries, we have yearned to learn more about our ancestors and piece together the story of how we came to be. But language can only record so much. And fossils can be even harder to decipher. We are left groping in the dark, forced to speculate and reconstruct ways of life based on fragments of information. But what if there was a better way? In The Genetic Book of the Dead , Richard Dawkins explores the untapped potential of DNA to transform and transcend our understanding of evolution. In the future, a zoologist presented with a hitherto unknown animal will be able to read its body and its genes as detailed descriptions of the world its ancestors inhibited. This 'book of the dead' would uncover the remarkable ways in which animals have overcome obstacles, adapted to their environments and, again and again, developed remarkably similar ways of finding solutions to life's problems. From the bestselling author of The Selfish Gene comes a revolutionary, vividly illustrated book that unlocks the door to a past more vivid, nuanced and fascinating than anything we have ever seen.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
426 people are currently reading
3775 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 31, 2024
When someone came up with the title for this book they were probably thinking deep cultural echoes - I suspect I'm not the only Robert Rankin fan in whom it raised a smile instead, thinking of The Suburban Book of the Dead. That aside, this is a glossy and engaging book showing how physical makeup (phenotype), behaviour and more tell us about the past, with the messenger being (inevitably, this being Richard Dawkins) the genes.
Worthy of comment straight away are the illustrations - this is one of the best illustrated science books I've ever come across. Generally illustrations are either an afterthought, or the book is heavily illustrated and the text is really just an accompaniment to the pictures. Here the full colour images tie in directly to the text. They are not asides, but are 'read' with the text by placing them strategically so the picture is directly with the text that refers to it. Many are photographs, though some are effective paintings by Jana Lenzová.
The first half of the book particularly captivated me. Dawkins starts by showing, for example, how the skin patterns of animals from tigers to insects reflect the history of their ancestors in terms of location, with some stunning examples of concealment. He goes on to take us through, for example, the tortuous evolutionary route that led to the tortoise and to the songs of birds. Perhaps my favourite part of all is the chapter on cuckoos and how members the same species can lay totally different looking eggs to fit with the host the specific female line tends to parasitise - and why the host birds can end up feeding a chick far larger than itself without hesitation.
Some of the later parts of the book are less immediately attractive because they are more about genetic history that does not have the same visual impact, so it becomes less of an illustrated book - and what comes through is more technical and less on the clear impact we can directly experience.
This is a book that continues Dawkins' long time assertion that organisms are vehicles for genes to replicate, hence his original bestseller The Selfish Gene. No one working in the field doubts the importance of genes, but there is now a considerable backlash against the intense focus on the genome, as typified by the 'new biology' described in Philip Ball's How Life Works. Given that Dawkins dedicates a whole chapter to attacking the idea that organisms use genes, rather genes using organisms, but doesn't really take on the idea that the genome is just one of many systems in the body that impact how life develops, and so will have an impact on where a particular animal 'comes from' (the focus of this book), it does make Dawkins look distinctly on the defensive.
To an outsider, it feels as if that Dawkins is in a similar position to that of many physicists at the end of the 19th and start of the 20th century. They struggled with discovering that the physical world is far more complex than had been assumed. Similarly, those for whom genetics is as central to their understanding of life, as is the case with Dawkins, may well be feeling that this 'new biology' is a challenge to fight against, despite it seeming likely to be the correct path forward.
This being the case, this book is interesting for two reasons. One is the fascinating illustration of the legacy current species have from their ancestors past environment and lives, driven certainly significantly by genetics. And the other is the philosophy (or possibly sociology) of science aspect of seeing how a potential Kuhnian paradigm shift impacts the old believers.
Worthy of comment straight away are the illustrations - this is one of the best illustrated science books I've ever come across. Generally illustrations are either an afterthought, or the book is heavily illustrated and the text is really just an accompaniment to the pictures. Here the full colour images tie in directly to the text. They are not asides, but are 'read' with the text by placing them strategically so the picture is directly with the text that refers to it. Many are photographs, though some are effective paintings by Jana Lenzová.
The first half of the book particularly captivated me. Dawkins starts by showing, for example, how the skin patterns of animals from tigers to insects reflect the history of their ancestors in terms of location, with some stunning examples of concealment. He goes on to take us through, for example, the tortuous evolutionary route that led to the tortoise and to the songs of birds. Perhaps my favourite part of all is the chapter on cuckoos and how members the same species can lay totally different looking eggs to fit with the host the specific female line tends to parasitise - and why the host birds can end up feeding a chick far larger than itself without hesitation.
Some of the later parts of the book are less immediately attractive because they are more about genetic history that does not have the same visual impact, so it becomes less of an illustrated book - and what comes through is more technical and less on the clear impact we can directly experience.
This is a book that continues Dawkins' long time assertion that organisms are vehicles for genes to replicate, hence his original bestseller The Selfish Gene. No one working in the field doubts the importance of genes, but there is now a considerable backlash against the intense focus on the genome, as typified by the 'new biology' described in Philip Ball's How Life Works. Given that Dawkins dedicates a whole chapter to attacking the idea that organisms use genes, rather genes using organisms, but doesn't really take on the idea that the genome is just one of many systems in the body that impact how life develops, and so will have an impact on where a particular animal 'comes from' (the focus of this book), it does make Dawkins look distinctly on the defensive.
To an outsider, it feels as if that Dawkins is in a similar position to that of many physicists at the end of the 19th and start of the 20th century. They struggled with discovering that the physical world is far more complex than had been assumed. Similarly, those for whom genetics is as central to their understanding of life, as is the case with Dawkins, may well be feeling that this 'new biology' is a challenge to fight against, despite it seeming likely to be the correct path forward.
This being the case, this book is interesting for two reasons. One is the fascinating illustration of the legacy current species have from their ancestors past environment and lives, driven certainly significantly by genetics. And the other is the philosophy (or possibly sociology) of science aspect of seeing how a potential Kuhnian paradigm shift impacts the old believers.
February 2, 2025
When I started this book I was hoping that I would be able to keep up, first time reader of a book on genetics. Luckily for me Dawkins eases the reader into things, starting each chapter focusing on the animals themselves and gradually adding more technical info as the book progressed, it gets real technical in the last few chapters but due to Dawkin’s teaching I felt I was able to keep up and was able to grasp the basic points that Dawkins was trying to get across. The book does look rather daunting but I think you’ll find it more accessible than you’d expect.
I enjoyed learning about the history of ours and other beings genes, how they got to where they are now and the sort of obstacles they had to overcome that created what exists today. Of most interest was when Dawkins focused on one animal, like the cuckoo, there was a huge amount in here to learn about that bird and just how it is able to create different coloured eggs for each nest it leaves eggs in. I learnt about new animals and have been able to shock friends and family with images of the Bagworm and it’s strange log cabin that it builds. The last chapter was great and the fact that I was able to follow what was being shared on retroviruses and the like shows just want a good job that Dawkins does.
The book is crammed full of photos, charts and beautiful illustrations by Jana Lenzová and I think it is the balance between these pieces of art and the text that makes this book work so well. My first big book of 2025 and I can’t recommend it enough.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2025...
I enjoyed learning about the history of ours and other beings genes, how they got to where they are now and the sort of obstacles they had to overcome that created what exists today. Of most interest was when Dawkins focused on one animal, like the cuckoo, there was a huge amount in here to learn about that bird and just how it is able to create different coloured eggs for each nest it leaves eggs in. I learnt about new animals and have been able to shock friends and family with images of the Bagworm and it’s strange log cabin that it builds. The last chapter was great and the fact that I was able to follow what was being shared on retroviruses and the like shows just want a good job that Dawkins does.
The book is crammed full of photos, charts and beautiful illustrations by Jana Lenzová and I think it is the balance between these pieces of art and the text that makes this book work so well. My first big book of 2025 and I can’t recommend it enough.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2025...
March 6, 2025
I read my first Dawkins book, 1976's The Selfish Gene, as a college undergrad, as assigned reading for one of my evolutionary biology classes, and at that point in time, it was an incredibly helpful conceptual framework to underpin the technical information covered in my degree coursework. Dawkins' latest book, 2024's The Genetic Book of the Dead, does a great job in reinforcing this concept for general audiences through a lot of general examples (and some great nature photography illustrating his points), and I would definitely recommend it to those readers. However, I suspect it may be too general and repetitive for non-lay audiences, as it landed for me.
My statistics:
Book 72 for 2025
Book 1998 cumulatively
My statistics:
Book 72 for 2025
Book 1998 cumulatively
May 31, 2025
An extract of the full book provided by Netgalley (Ch 7).
This was an interesting and accessible read from Richard Dawkins newest book which explores how the genes of a species can be read as a book of its hereditary life lessons for survival. Chapter 7 'In Living Memory' looks at how lessons are learned through reward and pain, amongst other means. While none of the information is likely to be new to anyone with an interest in the field, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece of writing. It references many famous experiments throughout and is peppered with dashes of wit and precise commentary. Dawkins makes a complex topic engaging for a mass audience.
Thoroughly recommended.
This was an interesting and accessible read from Richard Dawkins newest book which explores how the genes of a species can be read as a book of its hereditary life lessons for survival. Chapter 7 'In Living Memory' looks at how lessons are learned through reward and pain, amongst other means. While none of the information is likely to be new to anyone with an interest in the field, it is a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece of writing. It references many famous experiments throughout and is peppered with dashes of wit and precise commentary. Dawkins makes a complex topic engaging for a mass audience.
Thoroughly recommended.
October 7, 2024
Tough book to review as there are interesting topics. That being said I found it a real grind to read. While complimentary to other books I have enjoyed, this one does not compare to them (The Gene and The Song of the Cell by Siddhartha Mukherjee, Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson).
November 21, 2025
I have read several of Dawkins’ books in the past. I think that his subjects and content are usually fascinating. Here, his main point is that within an organism’s genetics, and therefore its makeup, is a history of the environments that the organism's ancestors existed in. I am interested in science, and I find genetics particularly though provoking. Despite this, before reading this book, its subject did not sound all that interesting to me. Yet, because Dawkins filled the book with intriguing examples, and because he is a great explainer, I found the work compelling.
Dawkins talks about many species, from otters to worms to bacteria, to illustrate his points. He writes about things like animal camouflage, deception, instinct, parasitism, etc. He also talks about genetics. He goes into some detail but is always understandable. His writing style is engaging.
I highly recamend this to anyone interested in biology, zoology, and genetics. Also, fans of Dawkins will not be disappointed.
Dawkins talks about many species, from otters to worms to bacteria, to illustrate his points. He writes about things like animal camouflage, deception, instinct, parasitism, etc. He also talks about genetics. He goes into some detail but is always understandable. His writing style is engaging.
I highly recamend this to anyone interested in biology, zoology, and genetics. Also, fans of Dawkins will not be disappointed.
July 28, 2025
This was interesting. I picked it up basically exclusively because of the subtitle. I hadn't read any Dawkins before, and I appreciated his quippish writing style, but overall the book overstayed it's welcome for me. There are just soooo many examples of animals doing various things in support of Dawkins's overall case. I get that's how a popular biology book is supposed to work and Dawkins's theory about "The Genetic Book of the Dead" was interesting overall. I think I just grew disinterested overtime.
March 1, 2025
Lisa and I traveled to Chicago last fall to see Richard Dawkins speak at the Chicago Theater, our third time seeing him in person. We didn't buy meet-and-greet tickets this time (chatting with him in Dallas in 2018 is something I will never forget) but we bought a hardcover copy of The Genetic Book of the Dead there. Physically, it is a beautiful book - high quality paper and binding with very nice full-color illustrations by Jana Lenzová throughout.
The Genetic Book of the Dead touched on subjects he originally wrote of in The Selfish Gene. The latter emphasized how genes are immortal moving on from one generation to another, and organisms (us bags of meat) are just vehicles genes use to replicate and live on for generations. In The Genetic Book of the Dead he touches on how "an animal can be read as a book about past worlds, the worlds of its ancestors"; and, how "this genetic book of the dead, this 'readout' from the animal and its genes, this richly coded description of ancestral environments, must necessarily be a palimpsest." Genes are overwritten by animals throughout the generations and modern animals are products what their ancestors passed on to them. Dawkins covers topics he is an expert in: evolution and its components - heredity, natural selection, environmental conditions. The variety of life on this planet is mind-boggling and Dawkins gives the reader and idea how this came about.
I found this book to be fascinating and probably my favorite of Dawkins' biology books. I'm no biologist and biology is hard, but Dawkins is great science communicator and is able to illuminate ideas for the non-expert reader. Dawkins manages to keep the tone light and while this book is very intelligently written it is not overly technical.
A couple of my favorite chapters are "Paintings and Statues" which describes how camouflage and seemingly odd markings came about in certain animals and helped them to become more fit than others in their species; and "The Backward Gene's-Eye View" which touched on certain animals' abilities to have other species raise their offspring for them. Like cuckoo birds. There is a plethora of animals of all types that engage in this behavior. I had no idea cuckoo birds laid eggs that were almost-exact replicas of the eggs already in the nest. They lay blue eggs in robins' nests and eggs with brown speckles in brambling nests. This book is full of amazing facts just like this.
Dawkins billed his last tour of America his "Final Bow - Last Tour on the Road". It's a bummer knowing that I'll probably never see him speak in person again but I'm hoping he has some more books in him. The world needs to hear from science communicators right now and Richard is the leading voice when it comes to evolutionary biology.
The Genetic Book of the Dead touched on subjects he originally wrote of in The Selfish Gene. The latter emphasized how genes are immortal moving on from one generation to another, and organisms (us bags of meat) are just vehicles genes use to replicate and live on for generations. In The Genetic Book of the Dead he touches on how "an animal can be read as a book about past worlds, the worlds of its ancestors"; and, how "this genetic book of the dead, this 'readout' from the animal and its genes, this richly coded description of ancestral environments, must necessarily be a palimpsest." Genes are overwritten by animals throughout the generations and modern animals are products what their ancestors passed on to them. Dawkins covers topics he is an expert in: evolution and its components - heredity, natural selection, environmental conditions. The variety of life on this planet is mind-boggling and Dawkins gives the reader and idea how this came about.
I found this book to be fascinating and probably my favorite of Dawkins' biology books. I'm no biologist and biology is hard, but Dawkins is great science communicator and is able to illuminate ideas for the non-expert reader. Dawkins manages to keep the tone light and while this book is very intelligently written it is not overly technical.
A couple of my favorite chapters are "Paintings and Statues" which describes how camouflage and seemingly odd markings came about in certain animals and helped them to become more fit than others in their species; and "The Backward Gene's-Eye View" which touched on certain animals' abilities to have other species raise their offspring for them. Like cuckoo birds. There is a plethora of animals of all types that engage in this behavior. I had no idea cuckoo birds laid eggs that were almost-exact replicas of the eggs already in the nest. They lay blue eggs in robins' nests and eggs with brown speckles in brambling nests. This book is full of amazing facts just like this.
Dawkins billed his last tour of America his "Final Bow - Last Tour on the Road". It's a bummer knowing that I'll probably never see him speak in person again but I'm hoping he has some more books in him. The world needs to hear from science communicators right now and Richard is the leading voice when it comes to evolutionary biology.
December 26, 2024
I couldn’t believe that Dawkins had a new book that I had somehow missed! It’s always a comfort to sink into his Darwinian reveries. If you want some further insight into evolution, look no further!
October 20, 2024
Unraveling the DNA of Our Past
In the vast tapestry of life on Earth, each organism carries within itself a hidden chronicle of its evolutionary journey. Richard Dawkins, the eminent evolutionary biologist and bestselling author, invites us on a captivating exploration of this genetic legacy in his latest work, "The Genetic Book of the Dead: A Darwinian Reverie." With his characteristic blend of scientific rigor and poetic insight, Dawkins unveils a revolutionary perspective on how we might decode the evolutionary history of life from the very DNA that shapes it.
A New Lens on Evolution
The Promise of Genetic Archaeology
Dawkins introduces us to a tantalizing vision of the future: a time when scientists can read an animal's genome as easily as we might read a book, extracting from it a detailed history of the environments and challenges that shaped its ancestors. This "genetic book of the dead," as Dawkins evocatively terms it, promises to revolutionize our understanding of evolution, offering insights far beyond what fossils and current analytical methods can provide.
From Genotype to Phenotype and Back Again
One of the book's strengths lies in Dawkins' ability to elucidate the complex relationship between genes and physical characteristics. He expertly guides readers through the concept of the extended phenotype—a idea he first introduced decades ago—showing how genes influence not just an organism's body, but its behavior and even its environment.
Highlights of the Evolutionary Journey
Convergent Evolution: Nature's Repeating Patterns
Dawkins dedicates significant attention to convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. His examples, ranging from the streamlined bodies of dolphins and ichthyosaurs to the electric sensing abilities of platypuses and certain fish, illuminate the fascinating ways in which evolution often arrives at similar solutions to life's challenges.
The Palimpsest of Life
A central metaphor in the book is that of the genome as a palimpsest—a manuscript written over many times, with earlier writings still faintly visible beneath the surface. This powerful image helps readers conceptualize how modern genomes contain layers of information about ancestral environments and adaptations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dawkins' Signature Style
Pros:
- Engaging prose that makes complex concepts accessible
- Vivid analogies and thought experiments that bring ideas to life
- A sweeping vision of evolutionary biology's future
Cons:
- Occasionally dense scientific explanations may challenge some readers
- The speculative nature of some ideas might leave skeptics wanting more concrete evidence
- A Bridge Between Present and Future Science
Dawkins skillfully balances current scientific knowledge with speculative future developments. While this approach sparks the imagination, it also requires readers to distinguish between established facts and hypothetical scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Genetic Information
- Genomes contain a wealth of historical information about species' evolutionary paths
- Future technologies may allow us to "read" this genetic history in unprecedented detail
- Understanding genetic history can provide insights into adaptation and biodiversity
Evolution's Recurring Themes
- Convergent evolution demonstrates the power of similar environmental pressures
- The concept of the extended phenotype reveals the far-reaching influence of genes
- Evolutionary "arms races" drive the development of complex adaptations
Final Thoughts: A Visionary Exploration of Life's History
Richard Dawkins has once again demonstrated his gift for illuminating the wonders of evolution in "The Genetic Book of the Dead." This book not only synthesizes decades of research and theory but also points the way toward exciting new frontiers in our understanding of life's history.
While some of the ideas presented remain speculative, Dawkins' vision is compelling and thought-provoking. He challenges us to see the living world in a new light, recognizing each organism as a repository of ancestral wisdom encoded in DNA.
For readers willing to embark on this intellectual journey, "The Genetic Book of the Dead" offers a rewarding exploration of life's enduring mysteries and the promising tools we might use to unravel them. It stands as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the endless fascination of the natural world.
In an era where understanding our planet's biodiversity is more crucial than ever, Dawkins' work reminds us of the rich evolutionary heritage carried within every living thing—a heritage that, properly understood, might hold keys to our own future on this ever-changing Earth.
In the vast tapestry of life on Earth, each organism carries within itself a hidden chronicle of its evolutionary journey. Richard Dawkins, the eminent evolutionary biologist and bestselling author, invites us on a captivating exploration of this genetic legacy in his latest work, "The Genetic Book of the Dead: A Darwinian Reverie." With his characteristic blend of scientific rigor and poetic insight, Dawkins unveils a revolutionary perspective on how we might decode the evolutionary history of life from the very DNA that shapes it.
A New Lens on Evolution
The Promise of Genetic Archaeology
Dawkins introduces us to a tantalizing vision of the future: a time when scientists can read an animal's genome as easily as we might read a book, extracting from it a detailed history of the environments and challenges that shaped its ancestors. This "genetic book of the dead," as Dawkins evocatively terms it, promises to revolutionize our understanding of evolution, offering insights far beyond what fossils and current analytical methods can provide.
From Genotype to Phenotype and Back Again
One of the book's strengths lies in Dawkins' ability to elucidate the complex relationship between genes and physical characteristics. He expertly guides readers through the concept of the extended phenotype—a idea he first introduced decades ago—showing how genes influence not just an organism's body, but its behavior and even its environment.
Highlights of the Evolutionary Journey
Convergent Evolution: Nature's Repeating Patterns
Dawkins dedicates significant attention to convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits in response to similar environmental pressures. His examples, ranging from the streamlined bodies of dolphins and ichthyosaurs to the electric sensing abilities of platypuses and certain fish, illuminate the fascinating ways in which evolution often arrives at similar solutions to life's challenges.
The Palimpsest of Life
A central metaphor in the book is that of the genome as a palimpsest—a manuscript written over many times, with earlier writings still faintly visible beneath the surface. This powerful image helps readers conceptualize how modern genomes contain layers of information about ancestral environments and adaptations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dawkins' Signature Style
Pros:
- Engaging prose that makes complex concepts accessible
- Vivid analogies and thought experiments that bring ideas to life
- A sweeping vision of evolutionary biology's future
Cons:
- Occasionally dense scientific explanations may challenge some readers
- The speculative nature of some ideas might leave skeptics wanting more concrete evidence
- A Bridge Between Present and Future Science
Dawkins skillfully balances current scientific knowledge with speculative future developments. While this approach sparks the imagination, it also requires readers to distinguish between established facts and hypothetical scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Genetic Information
- Genomes contain a wealth of historical information about species' evolutionary paths
- Future technologies may allow us to "read" this genetic history in unprecedented detail
- Understanding genetic history can provide insights into adaptation and biodiversity
Evolution's Recurring Themes
- Convergent evolution demonstrates the power of similar environmental pressures
- The concept of the extended phenotype reveals the far-reaching influence of genes
- Evolutionary "arms races" drive the development of complex adaptations
Final Thoughts: A Visionary Exploration of Life's History
Richard Dawkins has once again demonstrated his gift for illuminating the wonders of evolution in "The Genetic Book of the Dead." This book not only synthesizes decades of research and theory but also points the way toward exciting new frontiers in our understanding of life's history.
While some of the ideas presented remain speculative, Dawkins' vision is compelling and thought-provoking. He challenges us to see the living world in a new light, recognizing each organism as a repository of ancestral wisdom encoded in DNA.
For readers willing to embark on this intellectual journey, "The Genetic Book of the Dead" offers a rewarding exploration of life's enduring mysteries and the promising tools we might use to unravel them. It stands as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the endless fascination of the natural world.
In an era where understanding our planet's biodiversity is more crucial than ever, Dawkins' work reminds us of the rich evolutionary heritage carried within every living thing—a heritage that, properly understood, might hold keys to our own future on this ever-changing Earth.
November 7, 2025
A wonderful read on how animals have been coded and changed through our genes. By seeing all living things through the view of the genes, we get a better understanding of them all.
The mimicry of one species of another to increase its survival chances. The best, of course, is the octopus. The paintings and the status of the animal world. It is fun to see how the insects could be hidden among the plants. Painting is a mimic that only works in a specific setting. Status is an animal that mimics so well that it's still hard to tell what it is until it moves.
A bit surprised that a hippo is a closer genetic cousin to whales than a pig. This is surprising to know. Another fun fact is how long it takes for a new feature to spread through the population. It doesn't take that long in evolutionary years.
Humans in history are the main cause of extinction for certain animals.
The first time I learned about Mantis shrimp was from an animation series. Knowing how fast it uses its claws is amazing. I do wonder what genetic selection leads to this kind of strength.
The skin's colour on animals makes them difficult to see by other animals. It's really smart to go this way. The earlier species and samples are there to illustrate this book.
The last few chapters are the best, probably because I already have some basic knowledge about evolution and am not as easily surprised. The inserts that build nests are the most interesting, as the structure is just amazing. The birds being the weavers of nature is also very cool.
The genetic automation of the action of the Cuckoo chick is cruel, yet it explains a lot about how genetics determines its action. The development of different colours for eggs to fool other birds is also amazing. It is natural selection, and it needs to focus on this to enable us to comprehend how it works.
Last but not least are the manipulative parasites. The samples make us think about the complexity of nature makes us appreciate how genetics follows its cause that leads to favourable results for the parasites.
I would say this is a really good book for those who are interested in understanding nature. It is a good coffee book as it is pretty heavy and has a lot of colourful illustrations. Highly recommended.
5 stars read.
The mimicry of one species of another to increase its survival chances. The best, of course, is the octopus. The paintings and the status of the animal world. It is fun to see how the insects could be hidden among the plants. Painting is a mimic that only works in a specific setting. Status is an animal that mimics so well that it's still hard to tell what it is until it moves.
A bit surprised that a hippo is a closer genetic cousin to whales than a pig. This is surprising to know. Another fun fact is how long it takes for a new feature to spread through the population. It doesn't take that long in evolutionary years.
Humans in history are the main cause of extinction for certain animals.
The first time I learned about Mantis shrimp was from an animation series. Knowing how fast it uses its claws is amazing. I do wonder what genetic selection leads to this kind of strength.
The skin's colour on animals makes them difficult to see by other animals. It's really smart to go this way. The earlier species and samples are there to illustrate this book.
The last few chapters are the best, probably because I already have some basic knowledge about evolution and am not as easily surprised. The inserts that build nests are the most interesting, as the structure is just amazing. The birds being the weavers of nature is also very cool.
The genetic automation of the action of the Cuckoo chick is cruel, yet it explains a lot about how genetics determines its action. The development of different colours for eggs to fool other birds is also amazing. It is natural selection, and it needs to focus on this to enable us to comprehend how it works.
Last but not least are the manipulative parasites. The samples make us think about the complexity of nature makes us appreciate how genetics follows its cause that leads to favourable results for the parasites.
I would say this is a really good book for those who are interested in understanding nature. It is a good coffee book as it is pretty heavy and has a lot of colourful illustrations. Highly recommended.
5 stars read.
October 7, 2025
Richard Dawkins has written quite a bit in regards to atheism and the dangers of religion, but my favorite of his writings were those books where he focuses on biology and evolution. My first exposure to him was through the Selfish Gene, which fascinated me to no end, and his new book The Genetic Book of the Dead: A Darwinian Reverie is soooooo good. But it’s not just a book about genetics, per say, but covers the evolution of so many animals and their similarities and how they got that way, how some traits or functionality such as eyes or sonar evolved more than once. He also covers really well how certain features are remade into new features as time ticks on.
As usual, Dawkins does a fabulous job explaining the many fascinating details of evolution and biology. Something I have always appreciated about him as a scientist and science communicator is he is very careful and deliberate with his language, and the words he uses. (I did have to look up quite a few words though) He explains what we know and how we know it, and also when he inserts some educated speculation, he tells you that. There are scientists like Michio Kaku and Avi Loeb who are loose and careless with their wording, which can greatly mislead readers or listeners.
The content of this book is fascinating. There is no way I’ll remember everything I read here, it is so full of wonderful information. So the other thing I love about this book is how it’s bound. The pages are thick, the color illustrations are gorgeous, and I know it’s a book that is going to last a long time, longer than I’ll be around. It is well worth buying the hard copy.
But for those of you who listen to books, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s a book you can listen to in chunks without losing the thread of the information. But I definitely enjoy my physical copy and will return to it to read here and there. It’s a keeper!
As usual, Dawkins does a fabulous job explaining the many fascinating details of evolution and biology. Something I have always appreciated about him as a scientist and science communicator is he is very careful and deliberate with his language, and the words he uses. (I did have to look up quite a few words though) He explains what we know and how we know it, and also when he inserts some educated speculation, he tells you that. There are scientists like Michio Kaku and Avi Loeb who are loose and careless with their wording, which can greatly mislead readers or listeners.
The content of this book is fascinating. There is no way I’ll remember everything I read here, it is so full of wonderful information. So the other thing I love about this book is how it’s bound. The pages are thick, the color illustrations are gorgeous, and I know it’s a book that is going to last a long time, longer than I’ll be around. It is well worth buying the hard copy.
But for those of you who listen to books, you’ll enjoy this one. It’s a book you can listen to in chunks without losing the thread of the information. But I definitely enjoy my physical copy and will return to it to read here and there. It’s a keeper!
January 31, 2025
I really liked this book. Initially, I thought Richard Dawkins might recycle content from his previous famous books, creating something that felt more like a compilation of extracts rather than a fresh work. In the past, I’ve read two or three of his books, and while they were good, the last one (whose title I can’t recall) didn’t appeal to me. It felt like he had simply compiled his speeches or shows into a book rather than writing something original.
But that’s not the point of this review—this is about The Genetic Book of the Dead, and I must say, it’s a wonderful book. Dawkins neatly categorizes his ideas into well-structured, sequential chapters, presenting his arguments in an organized and engaging way. There’s no unnecessary padding—everything is clear, straightforward, and interesting. He effectively supports the book’s central theme with compelling points and stories.
This book is accessible to a general audience; you don’t need to be an expert to understand it. It’s an easy read—or in my case, an easy listen. I actually heard it on Audible, and I loved it. I also really enjoy Richard Dawkins’ voice—his soothing tone, his British accent, and, of course, his intellect. At over 80 years old, he remains an incredible thinker, and I feel fortunate to be his contemporary. Even more so, I was lucky enough to attend one of his lectures in Sydney, which was a memorable experience.
Coming back to the book—it’s a great read. If you’re interested, go for it! And to Richard Dawkins: I am great admirer of your works, I truly appreciate this book. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.
Five stars!
But that’s not the point of this review—this is about The Genetic Book of the Dead, and I must say, it’s a wonderful book. Dawkins neatly categorizes his ideas into well-structured, sequential chapters, presenting his arguments in an organized and engaging way. There’s no unnecessary padding—everything is clear, straightforward, and interesting. He effectively supports the book’s central theme with compelling points and stories.
This book is accessible to a general audience; you don’t need to be an expert to understand it. It’s an easy read—or in my case, an easy listen. I actually heard it on Audible, and I loved it. I also really enjoy Richard Dawkins’ voice—his soothing tone, his British accent, and, of course, his intellect. At over 80 years old, he remains an incredible thinker, and I feel fortunate to be his contemporary. Even more so, I was lucky enough to attend one of his lectures in Sydney, which was a memorable experience.
Coming back to the book—it’s a great read. If you’re interested, go for it! And to Richard Dawkins: I am great admirer of your works, I truly appreciate this book. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world.
Five stars!
February 17, 2025
Interessant populair-wetenschappelijk boek. De concepten zijn over het algemeen niet nieuw voor me, maar dit boek gaf wel voorbeelden die ik nog niet kende en belangrijk, combineerde verschillende inzichten zoals ik ze zelf nog nooit had gecombineerd en daardoor heel interessant en stimulerend om te lezen
January 2, 2025
Science aside, this book can be read for amusement in its own right. It reminds me of what I learned recently about Grand canyon; "it deepens about one page a year" (thickness wise). Modern organisms are like books genetically speaking; so is the nature itself one presumes.
December 29, 2024
Wonderfully written and entertaining. A true privilege to have seen Richard Dawkins discuss this in Cambridge.
March 9, 2025
A bad book by Richard Dawkins has yet to be written, so I feel like giving all his books five stars. This book is also wonderful, although it (of course) builds on his previous theories and may feel a bit less novel to someone who has already read all his works. Still, it is truly worth reading. However, I believe that none of his books can compare to Climbing Mount Improbable, a book so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes.
September 11, 2025
Nja- den var lite som ett nytt album av Iron Maiden. Välskriven, väl utförd men lite ointressant och utan egentliga nyheter. Roliga exempel gör den ändå läsvärd.
November 23, 2024
It was a joyous reading .. nothing more .. wonderful illustration as well
would’ve been a really fun documentary
But nothing new or brain storming
If you’re starting with dawkins .. wouldn’t recommend this book to be your first
would’ve been a really fun documentary
But nothing new or brain storming
If you’re starting with dawkins .. wouldn’t recommend this book to be your first
January 19, 2025
Evolution is cool but does he have to be so smug and long winded about it nice pictures though :)
June 14, 2025
Very nice illustrations, and good summaries of concept from his previous books, plus a few new concepts.
February 17, 2025
Very nice and insightful. Illustrations are of exceptional quality
February 8, 2025
A fascinating book with great illustrations. Dawkins argues that l animals can be read as descriptions of past worlds, with their instructions overwritten through the process of evolution. It’s not just their outsides but their insides, down to every gene, that can be read this way. He also argues that natural selection is acting directly on genes, not the organisms that host them; genes are viruses giving instructions to replicate via organisms that suit specific environments.
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book more than the rest; the last quarter is where Dawkins really digs into the idea that natural selection ultimately comes down to genes, not organisms, and at points his argument feels pretty speculative and deliberately provocative.
He’s a deft writer, explaining tricky concepts clearly and with a sense of humour. The adaptations he describes, from the awkward (horse fetuses with five digits, for example) to the creepy (cuckoos!) are truly marvellous. The chapter on convergent evolution is quite astounding.
But he does sometimes feel out of touch—I’m not terribly interested in his beefs with fellow Eminent Science Dudes, though he thinks I am! I also wished he’d name check some of the many women biologists out there doing interesting things. (For all that he calls his prototypical future scientist female, from his telling, you wouldn’t think any current scientists are female.)
Overall, an eye-opening book which I’d definitely recommend.
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book more than the rest; the last quarter is where Dawkins really digs into the idea that natural selection ultimately comes down to genes, not organisms, and at points his argument feels pretty speculative and deliberately provocative.
He’s a deft writer, explaining tricky concepts clearly and with a sense of humour. The adaptations he describes, from the awkward (horse fetuses with five digits, for example) to the creepy (cuckoos!) are truly marvellous. The chapter on convergent evolution is quite astounding.
But he does sometimes feel out of touch—I’m not terribly interested in his beefs with fellow Eminent Science Dudes, though he thinks I am! I also wished he’d name check some of the many women biologists out there doing interesting things. (For all that he calls his prototypical future scientist female, from his telling, you wouldn’t think any current scientists are female.)
Overall, an eye-opening book which I’d definitely recommend.
February 17, 2025
A lot of talk about evolution but I didn't get the point. Lots of rambling, dry and dull. Didn't feel like I really learned anything new or important. Nice pictures though.
November 1, 2024
Though I have a few books by Dawkins caught in the flux of my home, I started with this latest addition. I'm not unhappy having done so, as it seems that the latter half is a synopsis of his thought.
The first half of the book relates the relationship of animal traits to their historical environments evolving over time and by natural selection.
In the second half, Dawkins defends his 'selfish gene' thesis in which the gene is the causal center of evolution (as compared to a more embodied or dialectical position of gene and body and environment). But he then talks about 'extended phenotypes' and 'gene cooperation' which, it seems, contradicts the selfish gene and closes the gap with his intellectual rivals. Finally, out of nowhere, he embraces the great stew of viruses that make up our DNA. It's not that I doubt this, but does this not make the virus the causal center of evolution? The selfish virus?
I enjoyed the book well enough, though I don't know much about biology. I should also mention the wonderful illustrations that liven the text.
The first half of the book relates the relationship of animal traits to their historical environments evolving over time and by natural selection.
In the second half, Dawkins defends his 'selfish gene' thesis in which the gene is the causal center of evolution (as compared to a more embodied or dialectical position of gene and body and environment). But he then talks about 'extended phenotypes' and 'gene cooperation' which, it seems, contradicts the selfish gene and closes the gap with his intellectual rivals. Finally, out of nowhere, he embraces the great stew of viruses that make up our DNA. It's not that I doubt this, but does this not make the virus the causal center of evolution? The selfish virus?
I enjoyed the book well enough, though I don't know much about biology. I should also mention the wonderful illustrations that liven the text.
March 27, 2025
I raced through all the other Dawkins books on evolution in the 2010s. Finding them fascinating, they helped me develop a naturalistic worldview and influenced me to pursue a career in molecular biology. In short, Dawkins’ writing has had a big effect on my life. That said, I felt this book retraced too much of the gene’s eye view of evolution related topics previously covered in Dawkins’ books. So, perhaps The Genetic Book of the Dead would be better appreciated by newcomers to the genre. It is certainly a well-written (and lavishly illustrated) book.
September 26, 2024
Dawkins gives a detailed explanation of genetics, and how evolution has ‘influenced’ (I use this word loosely) every living organism’s genetic makeup. Humorous and informative, 5 ⭐️
July 18, 2025
Initial Impressions
I’ve always been fascinated by evolution and how we can explain pretty much any human behaviour and anatomy and in fact the behaviour and anatomy of any living thing on earth, through this amazing natural process.
I firmly fell in love with learning more when I read Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth as a teen which was my first ‘proper’ book on evolution.
In The Genetic Book of the Dead, Dawkins’ writing style, sometimes humorous, often enchanting, reminded me why the study of evolution feels like magic to me. Sometimes it does feel a little academic or school-teachery, but in some respects I liken it to a wizard passing down his knowledge from dusty old tomes!
In this book, he mostly looks at how we can build a picture of both an organism and in particular its ancestors based on the genes it carries today, and how those genes work from an Evolutionary perspective.
His passion shines through and the beautiful illustrations from Jana Lenzová really light up the book. These illustrations and the overall presentation is striking and add an extra layer of sparkle that would make this book an excellent gift for someone interested in nature or Evolutionary Biology.
Highlights
I have to mention the wonderful standout chapter (to me) – The Backwards Gene’s-Eye View, which focuses on cuckoo adaptation. I challenge anyone not to be amazed and wowed by both the information itself and Dawkins’ presentation of a fascinating topic.
I flew through the chapter, marvelling at the wonders of evolution. Truly one of the highlights of the book and one I’d recommend anyone reads who asks “why is evolution so exciting or interesting anyway?”
The majority of the book for me really goes to town on presenting all these fascinating and very readable insights that will delight the reader (though perhaps be nothing new to readers experienced in the subject matter). It’s Dawkins really celebrating the wonders of his biggest passion and for me it was a real treat; crustacean mutations, convergent evolution, ‘paintings and statues’, the journey from (and back to) the ocean, beak adaptations and a fascinating insight into birdsong. These were some of the sections I flew through that reignited those wondrous feelings of discovery.
Considerations
I think it already goes without saying that the reader of a non-fiction book on genetics needs to have a basic level of intelligence and understanding to appreciate the topic, but most of the book is nicely presented for easy understanding by casual readers and enthusiasts.
I do think however that you do need to have an interest (even if not yet fully developed) to get on well with this book as there are parts even in the more easily readable chapters that require your attention and concentration. Dawkins doesn’t write for limited vocabularies or those wanting an easy bed-time read.
As the book progresses, I did find the last few chapters more dense and complicated with less of the magic of the earlier chapters, but still plenty of amazing new things to learn. Conversely, perhaps some more serious scientists or enthusiasts may remark that the earlier chapters don’t present a great deal of new thought; the latter chapters presenting some new ideas of Dawkins and commentary on the field.
For me, it was these later chapters that didn’t quite grip me the same way and my reading slowed down. I found I had to sit down at the kitchen table and re-read a few passages to understand them better. I still found plenty to enjoy when I wrapped my head around things!
Final Thoughts
The Genetic Book of the Dead could feasibly be Dawkins’ last published book. He deserves a rest afterall, being in his mid 80s now.
He’s already cemented his reputation as someone whose books must be read by anyone seriously studying evolution and this book is a lovely sign off. Arguably more accessible than some of his previous work, beautifully illustrated and what feels like a pure love letter to the study that has dominated his life, focusing on the wonders of evolution, DNA and genes. Dawkins mostly steers clear of his usual temptation to speak about religion here, which also probably makes this appealing to a wider number of readers.
The Genetic Book of the Dead is a fitting sign off (if it is to be one) in a beautiful edition full of the wonders of evolution.
Thanks so much to Head of Zeus for the review copy – I am extremely fortunate! This hasn’t impacted my review in any way.
I’ve always been fascinated by evolution and how we can explain pretty much any human behaviour and anatomy and in fact the behaviour and anatomy of any living thing on earth, through this amazing natural process.
I firmly fell in love with learning more when I read Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth as a teen which was my first ‘proper’ book on evolution.
In The Genetic Book of the Dead, Dawkins’ writing style, sometimes humorous, often enchanting, reminded me why the study of evolution feels like magic to me. Sometimes it does feel a little academic or school-teachery, but in some respects I liken it to a wizard passing down his knowledge from dusty old tomes!
In this book, he mostly looks at how we can build a picture of both an organism and in particular its ancestors based on the genes it carries today, and how those genes work from an Evolutionary perspective.
His passion shines through and the beautiful illustrations from Jana Lenzová really light up the book. These illustrations and the overall presentation is striking and add an extra layer of sparkle that would make this book an excellent gift for someone interested in nature or Evolutionary Biology.
Highlights
I have to mention the wonderful standout chapter (to me) – The Backwards Gene’s-Eye View, which focuses on cuckoo adaptation. I challenge anyone not to be amazed and wowed by both the information itself and Dawkins’ presentation of a fascinating topic.
I flew through the chapter, marvelling at the wonders of evolution. Truly one of the highlights of the book and one I’d recommend anyone reads who asks “why is evolution so exciting or interesting anyway?”
The majority of the book for me really goes to town on presenting all these fascinating and very readable insights that will delight the reader (though perhaps be nothing new to readers experienced in the subject matter). It’s Dawkins really celebrating the wonders of his biggest passion and for me it was a real treat; crustacean mutations, convergent evolution, ‘paintings and statues’, the journey from (and back to) the ocean, beak adaptations and a fascinating insight into birdsong. These were some of the sections I flew through that reignited those wondrous feelings of discovery.
Considerations
I think it already goes without saying that the reader of a non-fiction book on genetics needs to have a basic level of intelligence and understanding to appreciate the topic, but most of the book is nicely presented for easy understanding by casual readers and enthusiasts.
I do think however that you do need to have an interest (even if not yet fully developed) to get on well with this book as there are parts even in the more easily readable chapters that require your attention and concentration. Dawkins doesn’t write for limited vocabularies or those wanting an easy bed-time read.
As the book progresses, I did find the last few chapters more dense and complicated with less of the magic of the earlier chapters, but still plenty of amazing new things to learn. Conversely, perhaps some more serious scientists or enthusiasts may remark that the earlier chapters don’t present a great deal of new thought; the latter chapters presenting some new ideas of Dawkins and commentary on the field.
For me, it was these later chapters that didn’t quite grip me the same way and my reading slowed down. I found I had to sit down at the kitchen table and re-read a few passages to understand them better. I still found plenty to enjoy when I wrapped my head around things!
Final Thoughts
The Genetic Book of the Dead could feasibly be Dawkins’ last published book. He deserves a rest afterall, being in his mid 80s now.
He’s already cemented his reputation as someone whose books must be read by anyone seriously studying evolution and this book is a lovely sign off. Arguably more accessible than some of his previous work, beautifully illustrated and what feels like a pure love letter to the study that has dominated his life, focusing on the wonders of evolution, DNA and genes. Dawkins mostly steers clear of his usual temptation to speak about religion here, which also probably makes this appealing to a wider number of readers.
The Genetic Book of the Dead is a fitting sign off (if it is to be one) in a beautiful edition full of the wonders of evolution.
Thanks so much to Head of Zeus for the review copy – I am extremely fortunate! This hasn’t impacted my review in any way.
October 13, 2024
Richard Dawkins, one of the most influential science writers of our time, returns with The Genetic Book of the Dead, a fascinating exploration of how DNA can serve as a portal to our evolutionary past. Building on the ideas he popularized in The Selfish Gene and The Blind Watchmaker, Dawkins pushes the boundaries of our understanding of evolution by presenting a compelling and imaginative vision of how genetic information might allow us to “read” the lives of our ancestors and the environments they once inhabited.
In The Genetic Book of the Dead, Dawkins proposes that DNA, beyond its role in shaping organisms, functions as a historical record, encoding the solutions that life forms have developed to survive in various environments. Chapter 7, “In Living Memory,” which was made available in this exclusive extract, delves into this concept with engaging clarity and intellectual ambition. Dawkins argues that with advancing technology, we may soon be able to reconstruct a vivid picture of the evolutionary pressures and ecological conditions that shaped species over millions of years, based solely on the information encoded in their genes.
The book is full of compelling thought experiments, such as how a future zoologist could examine an unknown animal and decipher not only its immediate ancestry but also the environment and challenges its predecessors faced. The notion of a “book of the dead” is both poetic and revolutionary, suggesting that every living organism carries within its genetic makeup a kind of memoir of its evolutionary journey.
Dawkins excels at making complex scientific concepts accessible without sacrificing intellectual rigor. His writing is as clear and captivating as ever, filled with vivid metaphors and engaging explanations of genetics and natural selection. He presents evolution not as a cold, mechanical process but as a rich tapestry woven over time, full of adaptation, convergence, and innovation. This gives the reader a sense of awe at the resilience and creativity of life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the intricate ways in which species have evolved.
While The Genetic Book of the Dead is primarily focused on evolutionary biology, it also touches on philosophical questions about the nature of knowledge and memory. By thinking of genes as records of the past, Dawkins invites readers to reflect on how much we can truly know about life on Earth and how much is still hidden in the genetic code waiting to be uncovered.
One of the book’s most striking contributions is its challenge to traditional methods of studying history through fossils and artifacts. Dawkins makes a persuasive case that DNA may provide us with a more precise and complete narrative of the past than bones ever could. This revolutionary approach has profound implications for fields like paleontology, anthropology, and even conservation biology, where understanding the past is key to protecting species in the future.
The illustrations and diagrams throughout the book help bring the science to life, making it accessible to readers who may not be familiar with genetics or evolutionary theory. However, this is not just a book for scientists—it’s for anyone with a curiosity about life on Earth and how we came to be. Dawkins’ ability to explain the awe-inspiring complexity of nature in an engaging and understandable way makes this book a rewarding read for laypersons and experts alike.
In conclusion, The Genetic Book of the Dead is a remarkable and thought-provoking work that challenges us to rethink how we approach the study of evolution and the history of life. Dawkins’ imaginative and insightful exploration of DNA as a “book” that records the trials and triumphs of species across time offers a new lens through which to view the natural world. For anyone interested in the wonders of evolutionary biology, this book is a must-read, as it opens the door to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the stories our genes have to tell.
In The Genetic Book of the Dead, Dawkins proposes that DNA, beyond its role in shaping organisms, functions as a historical record, encoding the solutions that life forms have developed to survive in various environments. Chapter 7, “In Living Memory,” which was made available in this exclusive extract, delves into this concept with engaging clarity and intellectual ambition. Dawkins argues that with advancing technology, we may soon be able to reconstruct a vivid picture of the evolutionary pressures and ecological conditions that shaped species over millions of years, based solely on the information encoded in their genes.
The book is full of compelling thought experiments, such as how a future zoologist could examine an unknown animal and decipher not only its immediate ancestry but also the environment and challenges its predecessors faced. The notion of a “book of the dead” is both poetic and revolutionary, suggesting that every living organism carries within its genetic makeup a kind of memoir of its evolutionary journey.
Dawkins excels at making complex scientific concepts accessible without sacrificing intellectual rigor. His writing is as clear and captivating as ever, filled with vivid metaphors and engaging explanations of genetics and natural selection. He presents evolution not as a cold, mechanical process but as a rich tapestry woven over time, full of adaptation, convergence, and innovation. This gives the reader a sense of awe at the resilience and creativity of life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the intricate ways in which species have evolved.
While The Genetic Book of the Dead is primarily focused on evolutionary biology, it also touches on philosophical questions about the nature of knowledge and memory. By thinking of genes as records of the past, Dawkins invites readers to reflect on how much we can truly know about life on Earth and how much is still hidden in the genetic code waiting to be uncovered.
One of the book’s most striking contributions is its challenge to traditional methods of studying history through fossils and artifacts. Dawkins makes a persuasive case that DNA may provide us with a more precise and complete narrative of the past than bones ever could. This revolutionary approach has profound implications for fields like paleontology, anthropology, and even conservation biology, where understanding the past is key to protecting species in the future.
The illustrations and diagrams throughout the book help bring the science to life, making it accessible to readers who may not be familiar with genetics or evolutionary theory. However, this is not just a book for scientists—it’s for anyone with a curiosity about life on Earth and how we came to be. Dawkins’ ability to explain the awe-inspiring complexity of nature in an engaging and understandable way makes this book a rewarding read for laypersons and experts alike.
In conclusion, The Genetic Book of the Dead is a remarkable and thought-provoking work that challenges us to rethink how we approach the study of evolution and the history of life. Dawkins’ imaginative and insightful exploration of DNA as a “book” that records the trials and triumphs of species across time offers a new lens through which to view the natural world. For anyone interested in the wonders of evolutionary biology, this book is a must-read, as it opens the door to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life and the stories our genes have to tell.
September 23, 2025
Richard Dawkins is the explainer-in-chief for evolutionary biology, a role akin to Richard Feynman’s in the domain of physics. This book can be viewed as a sequel to Dawkins’ highly successful 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins’ other claim to fame is as an eloquent spokesperson for atheists. He used to appear on many debate stages in this domain, but recently he has focused on writing books.
The central theme of this book is that each life form is like a book whose reading, by an expert, reveals a great deal about that life form at present as well as its history over eons. The skin of a reptile, the bones of a turtle, and the lungs of a whale all contain detailed stories of the creature’s past development and transformation.
As the great Persian poet Sa’adi has noted: “Leaves of green trees are notebooks, each of whose pages records God’s wisdom.” Dawkins would not endorse the God’s wisdom part, but he is also saying that the careful study of a leaf, say, reveals a long story of evolution. We can learn much about how a particular creature lived and what its environment looked like by comparing its current form with the forms we observe in fossils. And we can do the same for creatures that no longer exist, except in fossil form.
For example, a creature that has moved over its evolutionary history back and forth between water and land has a concise history of these movements in the way its organs have developed. For example, some creatures have organs that serve no useful purpose today but are remnants of the creature’s past environment and lifestyle. One can say that evolution builds creatures by putting new layers of functionality over old ones, in much the same way that one civilization builds structures over the ruins of structures built by a previous civilization or a new image that is painted on top of another one. Archaeologists and art experts can “read” these layers and discover interesting facts about the buried structures or over-painted image. For example, the city of Pompei, buried under and preserved by a thick layer of volcanic ash, hides other civilizations underneath.
An interesting study of various kinds of turtles and tortoises revealed that their bone structure in their hands (the relative length of each of the three bones) reveals a great deal about the creature’s origins and past living environment, including the number of times they may have moved back and forth between water and land.
I end my review with this quote from the book itself, which does an admirable job of summing up: “This is my central message, and it will bear repeating here. The fine-fingered sculpting of natural selection works not just on the external appearance of an animal such as a stick caterpillar, a tree-climbing lizard, a leaf insect or a tawny frogmouth, where we can appreciate it with the naked eye. The Darwinian sculptor’s sharp chisels penetrate every internal cranny and nook of an animal, right down to the sub-microscopic interior of cells and the high-speed chemical wheels that turn therein. Do not be deceived by the extra difficulty of discerning details more deeply buried. There is every reason to suppose that painted lizards or moths, and moulded potoos or caterpillars, are the outward and visible tips of huge, concealed icebergs.”
The central theme of this book is that each life form is like a book whose reading, by an expert, reveals a great deal about that life form at present as well as its history over eons. The skin of a reptile, the bones of a turtle, and the lungs of a whale all contain detailed stories of the creature’s past development and transformation.
As the great Persian poet Sa’adi has noted: “Leaves of green trees are notebooks, each of whose pages records God’s wisdom.” Dawkins would not endorse the God’s wisdom part, but he is also saying that the careful study of a leaf, say, reveals a long story of evolution. We can learn much about how a particular creature lived and what its environment looked like by comparing its current form with the forms we observe in fossils. And we can do the same for creatures that no longer exist, except in fossil form.
For example, a creature that has moved over its evolutionary history back and forth between water and land has a concise history of these movements in the way its organs have developed. For example, some creatures have organs that serve no useful purpose today but are remnants of the creature’s past environment and lifestyle. One can say that evolution builds creatures by putting new layers of functionality over old ones, in much the same way that one civilization builds structures over the ruins of structures built by a previous civilization or a new image that is painted on top of another one. Archaeologists and art experts can “read” these layers and discover interesting facts about the buried structures or over-painted image. For example, the city of Pompei, buried under and preserved by a thick layer of volcanic ash, hides other civilizations underneath.
An interesting study of various kinds of turtles and tortoises revealed that their bone structure in their hands (the relative length of each of the three bones) reveals a great deal about the creature’s origins and past living environment, including the number of times they may have moved back and forth between water and land.
I end my review with this quote from the book itself, which does an admirable job of summing up: “This is my central message, and it will bear repeating here. The fine-fingered sculpting of natural selection works not just on the external appearance of an animal such as a stick caterpillar, a tree-climbing lizard, a leaf insect or a tawny frogmouth, where we can appreciate it with the naked eye. The Darwinian sculptor’s sharp chisels penetrate every internal cranny and nook of an animal, right down to the sub-microscopic interior of cells and the high-speed chemical wheels that turn therein. Do not be deceived by the extra difficulty of discerning details more deeply buried. There is every reason to suppose that painted lizards or moths, and moulded potoos or caterpillars, are the outward and visible tips of huge, concealed icebergs.”
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