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The Greatest Show on Earth The Evidence for Evolution
Richard Dawkins
Free Press, first edition, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-4165-9478-9 |
One of modern times’ greatest and staunchest defenders of the Darwinian theory of evolution, Richard Dawkins writes this book to provide much of the factual evidence that permits scientists (and anyone for that matter) to ascertain the veracity of the current theory of evolution. Using his usual wit and candor, and an occasional digression here and there, he provides a thoroughly readable account exposing not only the evidence that Darwin had at his disposal to suggest his theory, but also much of the newer evidence that has accrued over the 20th century. The usual suspects such as artificial selection, missing links or development will be found here, and all discussed in the context of the counterarguments used by creationists to debunk evolution. If you have never read Dawkins, I highly recommend him (starting with his seminal work “The Selfish Gene”), but I will confess that to some he might come across as arrogant and pedantic. He tends to come at you with such force and persuasive power (all grounded in incontrovertible evidence and sound logic, of course) that the unprepared reader might initially feel winded and somewhat attacked. But don’t let this deter you- you are in for a treat!
