Evolution books

[psy kick]

I would like people to recommend me some books which state evolutions case (as I was brought up with creationism) for the lay person. I am not a great intellectual but can understand the points if they are explained to the avergae reader. Thanks!

[arthwollipot]

Start with The Blind Watchmaker by Richard Dawkins.

[psy kick]

thank you

[arthwollipot]

I would also add to your list Full House by Stephen Jay Gould and Dawkins' magnum opus The Ancestor's Tale. But The Blind Watchmaker should be first.

[Ryan O'Dine]

I actually found Darwin's Origin of Species to be pretty readable. It can be a little stuffy and 19th century, but he's an engaging writer, and makes genuinely compelling arguments.

There are also tons of books with a more narrow focus you might find enjoyable. Carl Sagan's The Dragons of Eden (http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Eden-Speculations-Evolution-Intelligence/dp/0345346297/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225110259&sr=8-1), almost anything written by William Calvin or the aforementioned Gould (one of my faves: Wonderful Life (http://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Life-Burgess-Nature-History/dp/039330700X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225110844&sr=8-2)) all leap to mind.

[Mojo]

I actually found Darwin's Origin of Species to be pretty readable. It can be a little stuffy and 19th century, but he's an engaging writer, and makes genuinely compelling arguments.


Steve Jones's Almost Like a Whale (US title Darwin's Ghost) is a good modern restatement, and a good alternative to The Blind Watchmaker as a starting point.

[X]

How about "Only a Theory" by Ken Miller?

I haven't read it (tempted to, though), but I'll throw the suggestion out there to see if anyone endorses it.

[Psi Baba]

I think one of the best books for the lay person or average reader is Michael Shermer's Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design. It's an excellent starting point. The Blind Watchmaker is very good, but some chapters can get a little bogged down in minutiae that might put off some readers.

[Gord_in_Toronto]

I actually found Darwin's Origin of Species to be pretty readable. It can be a little stuffy and 19th century, but he's an engaging writer, and makes genuinely compelling arguments.

There are also tons of books with a more narrow focus you might find enjoyable. Carl Sagan's The Dragons of Eden (http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Eden-Speculations-Evolution-Intelligence/dp/0345346297/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225110259&sr=8-1), almost anything written by William Calvin or the aforementioned Gould (one of my faves: Wonderful Life (http://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Life-Burgess-Nature-History/dp/039330700X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225110844&sr=8-2)) all leap to mind.

I concur with your recommendation and analysis of Origin. It is very interesting to see how Darwin works things out, assembles the evidence, and speculates about future discoveries.

Having read it, you always have a great response to creationists who ask whether you have read the Bible! :D

[Wowbagger]

The Ancestor's Tale is my favorite. Though, it is a bit long, and doesn't seem to cater to the mentality of a former creationist terribly well.

Shermer's Why Darwin Matters is good. But Daniel Dennett's best book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea is even better.

I know you are looking for books, not web sites, but I have also been highly recommending this web site, for novice evolution folks: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/
Start with "What is evolution and how does it work?" and "Evolution 101". Then you can either read through "How does evolution impact my life?" or "What is the evidence for evolution?", for more information about the case for this realm of science.

[Ocelot]

Since Blind Watchmaker and Ancestors Tale have already been mentioned I'd like to proffer another Dawkins classic - The Selfish Gene.

[learner]

Dawkins.."Climbing mount improbable" helps give you a grasp on the goalless nature of natural selection and helps make the timescales involved more conceivable. Il second Dawkins "The selfish gene" inspiratonal.

[Wowbagger]

If you do read The Selfish Gene, make sure it is the Second Edition or later. (The 30th Anniversery Edition is also good). The later editions have important footnotes that update, correct, and clarify certain aspects of the first edition.
So, it remains an excellent book, for understanding the most fundamental of biological replicators.

[paximperium]

;4157122']How about "Only a Theory" by Ken Miller?

I haven't read it (tempted to, though), but I'll throw the suggestion out there to see if anyone endorses it.
I believe it is "Not Just a Theory".

[arthwollipot]

I think the upshot of all this is to read all the Dawkins and Gould you can get your hands on :)

[timebomb]

My last birthday, my daughter gave me "Evolution for Dummies" by Greg Krukonis. If you're a dummy like me, I would highly recommend this book.

[psy kick]

All of you are helpful! I am off to the library (and that web page).

[UnrepentantSinner]

You might also check out Nova's "Evolution". It's a four part series that is an excellent overview of the subject and very much tailored for laymen.

[JJM]

You might also check out Nova's "Evolution". It's a four part series that is an excellent overview of the subject and very much tailored for laymen.That is an excellent idea. It has a companion text by Carl Zimmer, and one may also be able to find supplementary material for teachers. The video is a bit pricey ($100); but some libraries have it.

Info to help you find it:
http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Boxed-Liam-Neeson-narrator/dp/B00005RG6J/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1225293220&sr=8-1

Also, the video begins with a 2-hour re-enactment of Darwin's life, followed by single hours on individual topics. So, if you don't like the beginning, or any topic, just skip ahead.

[X]

I believe it is "Not Just a Theory".


"Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul" (http://www.amazon.com/Only-Theory-Evolution-Battle-Americas/dp/067001883X)


;)