Books about Evolution

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Evolution is among the most interesting and debated topics in modern times. Consequently, there are hundreds, if not thousands of books on evolution. Whereas most of the books support and explain evolution and its principles, a few books have been published to criticize evolution. One of the renowned books of evolution is The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould. Published in 1981, this book covers the background and history of science as an effective technique and tool in the promotion of racism. The author has the advantage of using his biology, paleontology and history academic background to explain his stances on evolution and science as racism tools. According to the author, through evolution tools, techniques, and processes and personal prejudices, evolution scientists have continued to disseminate racial stereotyping based on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and other measurements. The book is not only engaging; it is also well integrated with mathematical descriptions and statistical support.

An interest in evolution can be quickly aroused by the works of Charles Darwin or other authors’ works on Charles Darwin. One such work on Charles Darwin is Biography of Darwin by Janet Browne. This book by Browne is ranked high because she is not only a historian author of great renown but also an editor of several works by Charles Darwin. Browne’s book is not just a biography but also takes a novelistic approach, endearing the book to many readers. The book has several volumes, each focusing on a different aspect of Darwin’s life. For instance, the first volume, Voyaging, is purely on Charles Darwin’s early life.

The other highly rated book on evolution is The Selfish Gene, by Richard Dawkins. This book is preferred by general population who have not acquired the academic acumen to read and understand more advanced books on evolution. The book is particularly ideal for people inclined towards orthogenesis or nonlinear evolution and sheds more light on the weaknesses of orthogenetic biology and errors of orthogenetic thinking. Dawkins’ book makes it easy for laypersons to understand the otherwise intricate principles of genetics in particular and science in its broad sense.

The Making of the Fittest by Sean B. Carroll is an informative book on evolution, liked for its wide coverage of the elements of evolution and related topics. In this book, the author navigates with the reader through some of the most intriguing and controversial evolutionary topics. Like The Mismeasure of Man by Stephen Jay Gould, The Making of the Fittest by Sean Carroll contains mathematics and statistics to support his discussions. In addition, Carroll’s book has numerous examples with which readers can relate. It is suggested that for a complete and wider understanding of evolution, these book should be read together with Richard Dawkins’ The Greatest Show on Earth. Generally, the latter book lays bare the evidence for evolution in quite a radiant and flowing manner.

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