“I often said before starting, that I had no doubt I should frequently repent of the whole undertaking.” So wrote Charles Darwin...
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reviews
Jun 30, 2011
Bill
rated it: 
Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory by Edward J. Larson.
This book has a Modern Library logo on it and is part of a series named The Modern Library Chronicles. I checked some of the other books in the series. There are thirty-two titles that cover the history of everything from communism to the company. While reading the book ( I also listened to an audio edition) I realized that I have another book by this author, Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Con More...
This book has a Modern Library logo on it and is part of a series named The Modern Library Chronicles. I checked some of the other books in the series. There are thirty-two titles that cover the history of everything from communism to the company. While reading the book ( I also listened to an audio edition) I realized that I have another book by this author, Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Con More...
Mar 20, 2009
John
rated it: 
In the first half of his book, Mr Larson does a nice job tracing the origins of the theories of Evolution. He pays particular attention to the French Natural Historians and their early contributions to Evolutionary theory: one of the interesting ideas Mr Larson poses is that the French Revolution freed Scientists from Religious doctrine and allowed them to think outside the "Book of Genesis."
However, what is of particular interest (to me) is his concentration (in the last h More...
However, what is of particular interest (to me) is his concentration (in the last h More...
Sep 04, 2009
Rebecca
rated it: 
A truly informative and interesting history of the theory. One of the better narrative history writers when it comes to science. First sentence: “Georges Cuvier has a large head—a famously large head—and an ego more than sufficient to swell even it.”
Some of my 21st century assumptions (of course everyone knows about Mendelian genetics!) would get in the way at times when trying to grasp the significance or principles of a principle, but it was kind of fun to realize that I was working More...
Some of my 21st century assumptions (of course everyone knows about Mendelian genetics!) would get in the way at times when trying to grasp the significance or principles of a principle, but it was kind of fun to realize that I was working More...
Aug 06, 2011
Tom
rated it: 
This is a rather dry yet encompassing overview of the evolution of evoluition theory, I suppose one would say, from per-Darwin to today's divisive discussion around Dawkins, Gould, Intelligent Design, etc. I never thought about it before, but it seems like we are heading back into the trough of intelligent debate not seen since the Scopes "Monkey Trial" (one of the best chapters in the book). I don't recall all the recriminations and attacks in the '80s when Sagan was routinely on PBS
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Jan 12, 2009
AM
rated it:
I listened to this book on audio. It was interesting and I am glad I picked it up. I think Larson presents a vast amount of material in an accessible way. They only thing that kept me from rating this higher was the reader voice/inflection. He had one of those sleepy kinds of voices that lull you to sleep rather then pull you into the story. That said, I liked the book enough to find a print copy and catch the parts I missed.
Sep 25, 2011
Rachael
rated it:
Larson gives a brief history of evolution, started with the precursors to Darwin to contemporary culture wars and sociobiology. I found his chapter on eugenics especially interesting. He does spend some time going over the science as it developed historically which gave an interesting perspective on how the 'modern synthesis' came to be- natural selection united with Mendelian genetics.
Dec 21, 2011
Anne
rated it:
This book was really interesting. It was basically the evolution of evolution; where the idea came about, how it built up through history, why Darwin became a representative of the theory. It shows the reader that through all centuries mankind has created, through some often horrid methods, their own evolution. Very good read.
Jun 13, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
Listened to this book on CD while traveling last week. Excellent telling of the history and politics of the evolution of evolutionary theory.
Jun 05, 2008
Lucas
rated it:
The large amount of material on eugenics is interesting, but that whole movement seems to be more in response to Mendelian genetics rather than the discovery of evolution- it's not necessary to invoke common descent for scientific sounding justifications for eugenics.
It's interesting to note that for creationists, that the acceptance of evolution reduces the stature of their creator is of lesser importance than the reduction in the stature of humans it implies. It's this same sense More...
It's interesting to note that for creationists, that the acceptance of evolution reduces the stature of their creator is of lesser importance than the reduction in the stature of humans it implies. It's this same sense More...
Dec 27, 2007
Deborah
rated it:
For anyone with any interest science, this is an often fascinating historical account of the evolution of the concept of evolution in western society. It is very well-written, and accessible to anyone, although it sometimes gets quite dense with dates, names, and facts. I appreciate this book because it doesn't "take sides" in any debate, but simply presents the facts in a very objective fashion. It provides much-needed perspective in a time when evolution as a scientific concept is
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Dec 14, 2007
Sergei
rated it:
Overall an OK book on the history of science that eventually led to formulation of the Theory of Evolution by Darwin, as well as its effect on society since (including "monkey trials", etc.) The book was all good until it got to the 20th century at which point it became disorganized and somewhat gibberish.
Dec 17, 2009
afra
rated it: 
Freaking awful. This was required reading for a class I took on evolution, and I stopped doing the reading after the 3rd chapter (And none of my other friends even got that far). The first chapter was composed entirely of descriptions of the extraordinary size of a famous biologist's head. I am not kidding.
Aug 25, 2008
Charles
rated it:
A very good book as an introduction to the basics of evolution. Really gave me some food for thought.
Mar 02, 2009
Adrienne
rated it:
Very comprehensive and thorough. I really liked reading this book even though it's science.
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