Evolution
Evolution
$24.99
USDCutting across boundaries of art and science, evolution is a fundamental process that has beguiled thinkers through the ages. This collection draws together world-renowned thinkers and communicators with their own intriguing insights. In these essays they offer a feast of dazzling thoughts and ideas to challenge and enthral the reader. Why and how do civilizations and societies change over time? Why do our cells develop the way they do? Why are some villages still villages while others have grown into vast cities? Can we learn from our evolutionary past to plan a better future for our health and society? Tracing a line from the history of biological evolution, through the evolution of cultures, society, science and the universe, Evolution brings together intriguing parallels from all levels of life. From the evolution of the developing embryo to the evolution of a developing star, common threads develop into a fascinating story.
- Contributions from world-renowned writers and thinkers in the arts and sciences such as Stephen Jay Gould and Gillian Beer
- Darwin is the new Marx: evolution is a very trendy topic
- Looks beyond biology to culture and the universe
Reviews & endorsements
"This book is a gem....one of the book's main strengths...the book's principal lesson, that the concept of evolution is strong, far-reaching, and fruitful (despite being much misunderstood)." Neil A. Wells, The Quarterly Review of Biology
"There are apparently eight other books in this series...this book was such fun that now I want to read them all." Neil A. Wells, The Quarterly Review of Biology
"With contributors [including] Freeman Dyson, Lewis Wolpert and Stephen J. Gould, Fabian's book reaffirms my view that the best researchers and scientists often make the best science writers: no exaggerated claims, no mysterious theories of everything, no ying and yang. Just a joy to read." Mark Pagel, Nature
"...for anyone interested in evolutionary ideas. Recommended for academic readers at all levels." Choice
Product details
December 2006Paperback
9780521032179
188 pages
244 × 170 × 11 mm
0.314kg
16 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction Andrew C. Fabian
- 1. On transmuting Boyle's law to Darwin's revolution Stephen Jay Gould
- 2. The evolution of cellular development Lewis Wolpert
- 3. The evolution of guns and germs Jared Diamond
- 4. The evolution of London Richard Rogers
- 5. The evolution of society Tim Ingold
- 6. The evolution of the novel Gillian Beer
- 7. The evolution of science Freeman Dyson
- 8. The evolution of the universe Martin Rees
- Notes on contributors
- Acknowledgements
- Index.
