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The Ancestor's Tale
A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life
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The Ancestor's Tale
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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?
A fully updated edition of one of the most original accounts of evolution ever written
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Description
The Ancestor's Tale by Prof Richard Dawkins and Yan Wong is an extraordinary exploration of the story of life on Earth. This fully updated edition of one of the most original accounts of evolution ever written features new fractal diagrams, six new 'tales', and the latest scientific developments. Combining brilliant storytelling and cutting-edge science, the authors take readers on a reverse chronological journey through evolution, tracing the lineage of modern-day humans back to the origins of life four billion years ago.
The journey described in The Ancestor's Tale begins with present-day humans and travels backwards through time, meeting various species along the way. These encounters are metaphorically presented as "pilgrimages," where each species narrates its evolutionary tale. The journey encompasses not only animals but also plants, fungi, and bacteria, showcasing the interconnectedness of all life forms. Each evolutionary pilgrim's tale explores themes like speciation, sexual selection, and extinction, providing deep insights into the mechanisms that have shaped the diversity of life.
Renowned for his ability to engage and enlighten, Richard Dawkins, along with Yan Wong, weaves complex scientific concepts with unparalleled wit and clarity. The inclusion of new scientific discoveries from the past decade keeps the narrative fresh and relevant. The book's new tales, illustrations, and fractal diagrams further enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the intricacies of evolutionary biology.
The Ancestor's Tale is not just a scientific text; it is a celebration of the wonder and complexity of life. It reveals how extraordinary our history is and highlights our intimate relationship with the rest of the living world. This edition is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound story of life on Earth, told with eloquence and insight that only Dawkins and Wong can provide.
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 Ancestor's Tale by Richard Dawkins and Yan Wong is celebrated for making evolutionary biology compelling and accessible. Critics praise its clever narrative approach, rich exploration of evolutionary ideas, and the fresh, exhilarating perspective it provides on the interconnectedness of all life. The book is highly recommended for its ability to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781474606455
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 09 February 2017
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Illustration: integrated B&W diagrams and images; 4x8pp colour plates
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 47.0mm
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 199.0mm
Weight: 635g
Pages: 800
About the Author
Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist renowned throughout the world. He was educated at Oxford and taught zoology before becoming the first holder of the Charles Simonyi Chair of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, in 1995. His bestselling books rank among the most influential intellectual works of our time. They include THE SELFISH GENE (1976), RIVER OUT OF EDEN (1995), and UNWEAVING THE RAINBOW (1999).
richarddawkins.net / @RichardDawkinsYan Wong is an evolutionary biologist who studies the theoretical underpinnings of life. He is also a radio and television presenter, perhaps best known from the BBC One television show BANG GOES THE THEORY.yanwong.me / @DrYanWongAlso by Prof Richard Dawkins
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