1
of
1
The Selfish Gene
40th Anniversary edition
Series: Oxford Landmark Science
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 190,047 ratings, 5,329 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5300
Unit price
/
Unavailable
International Supplier
This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Selfish Gene
$5300
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The 40th anniversary edition of the million-copy international bestseller, with a new epilogue from the author. As relevant and influential today as when it was first published, this classic exposition of evolutionary thought, widely hailed for its stylistic brilliance and deep scientific insights, stimulated whole new areas of research.
The 40th anniversary edition of the million copy international bestseller, with a new epilogue from the author.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The Selfish Gene, authored by renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, is a groundbreaking work that revolutionises our understanding of natural selection and genetic influence on evolution. This seminal book is not about selfishness at an individual level but rather examines how genes—those small segments of DNA that dictate every living organism's biological makeup—drive evolution by prioritising their replication and survival. Dawkins presents the argument that genes are the true units of natural selection and explores how this perspective shifts the way we perceive organisms and evolution as a whole, portraying living beings as mere carriers tasked with ensuring the propagation of these genetic materials.
From the outset, Dawkins captivates readers with his imaginative yet scientific approach, using vivid metaphors and clear explanations to unpack complex biological concepts. With his 'gene's eye view', he explores the ramifications of this viewpoint, addressing the implications for altruism, competition, and cooperation among organisms. This perspective insists on the prominence of genetic codes in shaping behaviours that may seem counterintuitive from an organismal standpoint but make perfect sense when viewed as strategies for genetic survival.
Since its initial publication in 1976, The Selfish Gene has sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 25 languages, making it an influential piece of literature on evolutionary theory. It instantly became a classic, recognised for its clarity and thought-provoking insights that sparked new debates and research avenues within the biological sciences community.
This special 40th anniversary edition delves deeper into its enduring impact with an updated epilogue by Dawkins. Here, he reflects on the evolution of ideas in the field, reinforcing their pertinence in contemporary scientific discourse. Readers will also find the original prefaces and foreword, as well as excerpts from early reviews, offering a glimpse into the historical context of this pivotal work.
Part of the esteemed Oxford Landmark Science series, The Selfish Gene is considered a 'must-read' for anyone interested in modern science and philosophy. It has not only crystalised big ideas of Neo-Darwinism but also fundamentally reshaped our understanding of life's driving forces. Whether you are a seasoned scientist or a curious learner, Dawkins' compelling narrative will challenge your preconceptions and deepen your appreciation of the natural world.
Series: Oxford Landmark Science
View all-
The Selfish Gene
The Selfish Gene, authored by renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, is a groundbreaking work that revolutionises our understanding of natural selection and genetic influence on evolution. This seminal book is not about selfishness at an individual level but rather examines how genes—those small segments of DNA that dictate every living organism's biological makeup—drive evolution by prioritising their replication and survival....Paperback$5300Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Power, Sex, Suicide
Mitochondria are tiny structures located inside our cells that carry out the essential task of producing energy for the cell. They are found in all complex living things, and in that sense, they are fundamental for driving complex life on the planet. But there is much more to them than that. Mitochondria have their own DNA, with their own small...Paperback$5000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Selfish Gene is often praised as a groundbreaking and bestselling work that reshaped our understanding of evolution. Reviews highlight Richard Dawkins' ability to convey complex scientific ideas with wit and clarity, making the content accessible to a broad audience. Celebrated for its engaging prose, the book is seen as a cultural landmark that remains relevant and insightful in illustrating the theory of evolution.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780198788607
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 09 June 2016
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Edition: 4th Revised edition
Illustration: 9 black and white images
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 37.0mm
Width: 131.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 431g
Pages: 496
About the Author
Professor Richard Dawkins is one of the most influential science writers and communicators of our generation. He was the first holder of the Charles Simonyi Chair of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, a position he held from 1995 until 2008, and is Emeritus Fellow of New College, Oxford. His bestselling books include The Extended Phenotype (1982) and its sequel The Blind Watchmaker (1986), River Out of Eden (1995), Climbing Mount Improbable (1996), Unweaving the Rainbow (1998), A Devil's Chaplain (2004), The Ancestor's Tale (2004), and The God Delusion (2007). He has won many literary and scientific awards, including the 1987 Royal Society of Literature Award, the 1990 Michael Faraday Award of the Royal Society, the 1994 Nakayama Prize for Human Science, the 1997 International Cosmos Prize, and the Nierenberg Prize for Science in the Public Interest in 2009.
Also by Richard Dawkins
View all-
The God Delusion
The international bestselling broadside that has taken the world by storm. The God Delusion caused a sensation when it was published in 2006. Within weeks, it became the most hotly debated topic, with Dawkins himself branded as either saint or sinner for presenting his hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types. His argument could hardly be more topical. While...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Genetic Book of the Dead
From one of the world’s great science writers, a book that explores the deepest principles of evolutionary history. In this groundbreaking new approach to the evolution of all life, Richard Dawkins shows how the body, behaviour, and genes of every living creature can be read as a book – an archive of the worlds of its ancestors. A perfectly camouflaged...Hardback$4900Elsewhere:$5499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Magic of Reality
Richard Dawkins, the celebrated evolutionary biologist, takes readers on an enthralling journey through the wonders of the natural world in The Magic of Reality. Aimed at readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated book demystifies the intricacies of science with clarity, passion, and a touch of humour. Dawkins employs his storytelling prowess to replace supernatural explanations with awe-inspiring natural phenomena,...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Greatest Show on Earth
Britain's greatest science writer comprehensively rebuts the creationists by pulling together the incontrovertible evidence for evolution. Charles Darwin's masterpiece, On the Origin of Species, shook society to its core upon publication in 1859. Darwin was only too aware of the storm his theory of evolution would provoke, but he would surely have raised an incredulous eyebrow at the controversy still...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The God Delusion
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins offers a compelling and provocative critique of religious belief, providing readers with an engaging examination of the arguments for the existence of God and the potential harm caused by religion. The book is a meticulously researched and passionately articulated argument against theism, where Dawkins sets out to demonstrate that belief in a divine creator...Paperback$2800Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Flights of Fancy
Richard Dawkins on how nature and humans have learned to overcome the pull of gravity and take to the skies. A masterly investigation of all aspects of flight, human and animal... A beautifully produced book that will appeal across age groups Alexander McCall Smith Dawkins has always been an extraordinarily muscular, persuasive thinker. What feels new here is that he...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Outgrowing God
From the author of the multi-million bestseller, The God Delusion, comes an exciting, accessible argument for atheism, written for a new generation. Should we believe in God? In this new book, written for a new generation, the brilliant science writer and author of The God Delusion explains why we shouldn't. Should we believe in God? Do we need God in...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Blind Watchmaker
"This might just be the most important book on evolution since Darwin" — John Gribbin in The Good Book Guide. Acclaimed as the most influential work on evolution written in the last hundred years, The Blind Watchmaker offers an inspiring and accessible introduction to one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time. A brilliant and controversial book, it...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Genetic Book of the Dead
THE TIMES BEST SCIENCE BOOK OF 2024 GUARDIAN BEST IDEAS BOOKS OF 2024 ECONOMIST BEST BOOKS OF 2024 FINANCIAL TIMES BEST BOOKS OF 2024 From one of the world’s great science writers, a book that explores the deepest principles of evolutionary history. In this groundbreaking new approach to the evolution of all life, Richard Dawkins shows how the body, behaviour,...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid September -
The Extended Selfish Gene
The Selfish Gene is a classic exposition of evolutionary thought. In it, Professor Dawkins articulates a gene's eye view of evolution—a view giving centre stage to these persistent units of information, and in which organisms can be seen as vehicles for the replication of genes. The book provoked widespread and heated debate, which in part led Dawkins to write The...HardbackSold Out -
River Out of Eden
The No.1 SUNDAY TIMES bestseller. A fascinating explanation of how evolution works, from bestselling author of THE GOD DELUSION 'Dawkins is a brilliant communicator' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'A model of simplicity and power' Douglas Adams The river of Dawkins's title is a river of DNA, flowing through time from the beginning of life on earth to the present - and onwards....PaperbackSold Out -
The Four Horsemen
The transcript of the one and only conversation between the four horsemen of New Atheism, with introductions from Dawkins, Dennett and Harris and a sparkling foreword by Stephen Fry. Includes a foreword by STEPHEN FRY 'A classic for our time...And all time.' - Michael Shermer 'The words of Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris and Dennett are needed more than ever. These are...HardbackSold Out
More from Science & Nature
View all-
Murder Under the Mistletoe
BOOK 4 IN THE BESTSELLING CANON CLEMENT MYSTERY SERIES 'The best of the new cosy crime writers' Daily Telegraph 'You'll want to take a front row pew in Champton while this delicious series unfolds' Janice Hallett It is Christmas Day and at Champton Rectory, Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey are joined by the residents and guests of the...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
John and Paul
THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'A triumph.' Deborah Levy, New Statesman 'Tremendous.' Alwyn Turner, The Times 'Revelatory.' Simon Schama, Financial Times 'The gold standard of Beatles books.' Anthony Quinn, Observer 'As enthralling and astonishing as their music.' Jon Dennis, Sunday Telegraph 'A masterpiece.' Dylan Jones, Evening Standard '[Ian Leslie]...Paperback$2800Elsewhere:$3299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Raising Hare
THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE HATCHARDS AND BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE HAY FESTIVAL, SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, SPECTATOR AND iNEWS 'A beautiful book' - ANGELINA JOLIE 'I...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
What If? 10th Anniversary Edition
CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF THE MILLION-SELLING POP SCIENCE CLASSIC WITH A SPECIAL EDITION. THIS IS WHAT IF? . . . x10. THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Nerd royalty' — BEN GOLDACRE 'Totally brilliant' — TIM HARFORD 'Required reading across the world' — NEW YORK TIMES From the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, experience hilarious and informative answers to important questions...Hardback$4200Elsewhere:$5000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Nuclear War
The Sunday Times bestselling non-fiction thriller that has to be read to be believed. Baillie Gifford shortlisted, a favourite of Steven Bartlett, with an average reader rating of 4.6, sure to be a mass-market hit. Up to now, no one outside of official circles has known exactly what would happen if a rogue state launched a nuclear missile at the...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Anxious Generation
A powerful argument for reclaiming childhood—and all human relationships—from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spaces—communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...Paperback$2299Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Prisoners of Geography
Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present, and future to offer crucial insights into one of the major factors that determine world history – because if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture. Originally published in 2015, this completely revised and updated edition brings it up to date with the events and trends of the past...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Booker PrizeOrbital
Winner of the Booker Prize 2024. Chair of the judges, Edmund de Waal, describes the winner as 'a book about a wounded world' adding that the panel's 'unanimity about Orbital recognises its beauty and ambition'. Life on our planet as you've never seen it before. A team of astronauts in the International Space Station collect meteorological data, conduct scientific experiments...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Diddly Squat: Home to Roost
It's been another memorable year on Diddly Squat Farm - will the chickens finally come home to roost? Welcome back to Clarkson's Farm. The spring crop failed. Farming sheep, pigs, and cows was hardly more lucrative (better off breeding ostriches...) But in the face of uncooperative weather, bureaucracy, and the world's persistent refusal to recognise his genius, our hero's not...Paperback$2600Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Place of Tides
To save the world, we have to start somewhere. One afternoon many years ago, James Rebanks met an old woman on a remote Norwegian island. She lived and worked alone on a tiny rocky outcrop, caring for wild ducks and gathering their down. Hers was a centuries-old trade that had once made men and women rich, but had long been...Paperback$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Ultra-Processed People
Launching the runaway bestseller with ambitions to be the biggest non-fiction paperback of the year IT'S NOT YOU. IT'S THE FOOD. "If you only read one diet or nutrition book in your life, make it this one" - Bee Wilson "You've got to get this book in your life . . . Completely compelling . . . Read a page...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$2800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Island of Missing Trees
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a captivating and poignant novel that delves into the intertwined lives of two star-crossed lovers in war-torn Cyprus and their enduring legacy decades later. This Sunday Times bestselling novel intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and identity amidst a backdrop of cultural and historical turmoil. Set in 1974 on the island...Paperback$2300Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
