The Evolution Wars » (1st Edition)

The clothbound edition of this work was published in 2000 by ABC-Clio. Ruse (philosophy, Florida State U.) hopes that his book will appeal to any reader with a general knowledge of evolutionary theory who wishes to know more. He examines the debates of the past two and a half centuries, with particular focus on the 19th-century clash over the nature of classification and debates about fossil records, genetics, and human nature, the role of external factors, and the underlying motives of scientists. The treatment is academic but accessible to the general reader. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

VOYA

Evolution encompasses disciplines from history and philosophy to sociology and biology. Historian and philosopher of science Ruse is able to incorporate his vast knowledge into this guide to understand the status of evolutionary thought today and how humankind has arrived at this point. Edward O. Wilson, author of On Human Nature (Harvard University Press, 1978), in his foreword selects this book as the one he would choose if he were to begin his reeducation on evolution from ground zero. The personalities and feuds as well as the science behind these positions are portrayed in lively narration. Some of these personalities, such as Charles Darwin and George Mendel, are frequently acknowledged. Others, such as Aleksandr Oparin and Charles Wolcott, are not as well known but are significant in the development of the contemporary concept of evolution. The chronology begins with Copernicus in 1543 and ends with the edict on teaching science from the State of Kansas in 1999. A remarkable selection of documents for each chapter includes an exchange of ideas between Asa Gray and Charles Darwin, a message from Pope John Paul II to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and discussions in sociobiology by Edward O. Wilson. This guide provides teachers in major disciplines with a gold mine of information to get the big picture. Unfortunately, only the most interested and sophisticated high school students will be inclined to do any more than select specific information for debates or research papers. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Charts. Biblio. Source Notes. Further Reading. Chronology. 2000, ABC-CLIO, 428p. PLB Ages 16 to Adult. Reviewer: Marilyn Brien SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24,No.1)