Customer Reviews
Well worth it - By: Mr. SDL Cane, 13 Oct 2007 
Edited by Mark Grafen & Matt Ridley, this anthology of essays by such luminaries as Ridley himself, along with, among others, Daniel C. Dennett, A.C. Grayling & Philip Pullman, functions very effectively as either an introduction to Dawkins or as an overview for those more familiar with Dawkins's work. Discussing both the scientific context of Dawkins's work & exposing some of the controversies borne out of it, these essays are well worth exploring. I recommend this book very highly.
Not just a cheering section - By: Stephen A. Haines, 11 Jun 2006 If Darwin's revelation of natural selection is "the best idea anyone, any where, ever had", then Richard Dawkins' identification of the "selfish gene" must run a close second. While Darwin's concept explained the workings of life, Dawkins' insight disclosed the mechanism of natural selection. The 1976 publication of "The Selfish Gene" not only stimulated a fresh wave of thinking among biologists, it also stirred public interest & imagination. If life was under the thrall of those strings of chemicalsin our cells, how far did that influence reach? In this set of excellent essays on the issues, Dawkins ideas & their impact are presented & discussed. The fruit of his insights are bittersweet, & while most of these writings applaud his probity & communication skills, there is the tang of doubt about some of them.
More than two dozen essays comprise this collection. They are topically organised, starting with the biology issues, moving through the logic Dawkins uses to his writing skills. Today, the biology seems straightforward: genes build bodies. Those bodies contain nervous systems & brains - the root of behaviours. At the publication of "The Selfish Gene", it was widely thought that evolution worked at the species' level. Dawkins moved that mechanism much deeper. Its effect is manifested through various ways, with mate choice one of the more significant. Andrew Read explains how evolutionary pressure forces such practices as "lekking"in certain bird species. The mechanism can be readily projected to other creatures, & is manifestedin humans, as well.
The "selfish gene" operatingin humans has, of course, caused the greatest distress among many readers. An entire section of the book is devoted to that issue. Randolph Nesse discusses how the term "selfish" has been mindlessly condemned by many. Adding to the furor, & fury, was the publication of Edward O. Wilson's "Sociobiology". Although Wilson's book focussed on social species, particularly insects, the implications were clear. If genes build bodies & guide behaviour, how many of our activities are similarly directed? How many of our actions are "genetically determined". Nesse notes that Dawkins had closed his book saying we are the one species capable of overriding our genes' guidance, few either read or failed to comprehend the implications.
Outside the realm of pure biology, Dawkins has made clear his position on religion & its dogmas. No less a figure than the Bishop of Oxford takes up the challenge. In his essay on Dawkins & humanism, Richard Harries deals with what drives a person to atheism. Noting other powerful scholars have turned away from "faith". He exempts science itself as a cause, instead Harries relies on Alister McGrath's recent book, "Dawkins' God" as a buttress. Harries sympathises with Dawkins sense of awe at the wonders of the universe. Harries, of course, wishes Dawkins' awe could be "groundedin a reality that lies beyond the visible universe".
The concluding essays focus on Dawkins' writing skills. That talent is universally exclaimed throughout the set, but Matt Ridley & Philip Pullman go beyond merely addressing Dawkins ability to impart science. Pullman,in particular, finds elements of Dawkins' prose that should appeal to all readers, notably "phrase-making" & humour. Making readers smile is a rare trait among science writers, but Dawkins has managed to Pullman's satisfaction & delight. He even compares Dawkins with Dickens, no small compliment. It is a fitting cap to this collection - a tribute well deserved by its subject. Having read "Selfish Gene" some time ago, this collection impels me to take up its insights & delightful reading once more. As these writers stress, Dawkins is a thought-stimulator par excellence. We need more like him. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
