Genome

Rating:
Summary: 23 Chapters in Search of a Unifying Theme
Review: There is a Monty Python sketch in which a learned speaker, addressing an Edwardian Educational Society, stands up to the podium, pauses, and in a deeply self-important voice proclaims the topic for the evening - "India!". But before she can continue the curtain falls and the audience erupts in relieved applause.

It's difficult to believe that the discoveries of the human genome will ever be met with similar bemusement and ennui. Regardless, Matt Ridley is at the beginning, and not the end, of the period of discovery and here, for the amazement of you, ladies, gentlemen and distinguished guests, he has brought back wonders, too amazing to behold. One each from the 23 islands that make up the Archipelago of the Human Genome.

And such wonders they are. The human genome is starting to look more like a bitchy soap opera than a linear code for creating proteins: genes and chromosomes that cooperate and then attack each other; genes that jump species and make genetically modified organisms look like an old trick; genes whose mutation affects the usual suspects: beauty, brains and brawn. Finally, the very starting blocks of life, HOX genes, the homonculus of the gene world - a topographical sketch of ourselves embedded at the typographical heart of the genetic code. (Ridley asks why there is no engineering design priciple which uses the gradual building up of the whole from a simple model which unpacks itself. Has he has never heard of the ubiquitous principle of "bootstrapping" in computer programming?)

So much for the new found discoveries - marvels to delight us and many more to come. Ridley's previous books on the adaptive basis of sexual and cooperative behaviour were superb syntheses of much of what was then (and still is) at the forefront of adaptive behavioural research. Sadly, here the material is left to fend for itself and any attempt at synthesis was lost at conception. Each chromosome is presented, in one of 23 chapters, as demonstrating an exemplar of a particular genetic function, or (more often) dysfunction. While it has resonances of Darwin's islands it reads more like Swift's. There is no claim that this is anything other than a narrative device but as a literary conceit it is still-born. Genetic function does not follow genomal form and Ridley himself admits he had misgivings about organising the chapters along chromosomal lines - but was encouraged to do so by his publisher. Next time he should follow his instincts.

I hope Ridley writes many more books about the genome - the voyage has just begun and, perhaps, this was always going to be a difficult starting point - how do you describe the barely explored Archipeligo of the Human Genome to somebody who is only vaguely aware of where the archipeligo is - at first, I suppose, you bring out the lantern slides, bright cloths and feathers of strange birds to get our attention - eventually though you have to address the underlying material - a writer as good as Ridley has shown he can do this without risking his audience nodding off or applauding his early departure from the podium. Even in this strangely disconnected book there is much to wonder at.

Rating:
Summary: Who you kidding?
Review: Poorly written, poorly documented pablum. Makes an exciting topic boring.

Rating:
Summary: Genome, by Ridley
Review: This book is over-rated. The writing is not particulary lucid, and the grammar is often poor. Entirely too qualitative, as a rule.

Rating:
Summary: Only the beginning
Review: Good overview of what we know about the human genome, I needn't add much to other reviews.

My only point is that this book is perhaps a little premature. There really isn't that much we know about this genome of ours just yet, most of what we do know is overviewed in this book, but I'm looking forward to finding out much more.

Another book of this genre recommended is The Gene Hunters by Cookson.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointment!
Review: Such a narrow and poitical view of our wondrous genome

Rating:
Summary: From Fruit Flies to Free Will
Review: I'm a physician with an addiction to science writing. Genome is a standout in the genre, deserving a place along side Consilience, The Elegant Universe, The Song of the Dodo, Chaos. Genome is not dry reporting, rendered free of passion. It combines scholarly reporting on the state of genomics with a lively and informed discussion of the implications of current findings. The writing is good-humored, self-effacing, accurate, and provocative. If you don't learn something from this book, you are in the noetic stratosphere; if you aren't challenged by some of Ridley's conclusions, you have petrification of your cerebrum. Ridley, you've done yourself proud!

Rating:
Summary: a pleasure to read
Review: This book is extremely well written and Mr. Ridley does a wonderful job of explaining very complex scientific information in clear and enjoyable prose. He also does a good job of discussing some very contentious issues and ideas in a balanced way.

Rating:
Summary: Most extraordinary book!
Review: With the brilliant clarity of science writing one expects in books by E.O. Wilson, the creative and rigorous science of Richard Dawkins, the rationality of Daniel Dennet (without the tedious philisophical meanderings) and the occaisional wit of Peter McWilliams, Matt Ridley's Genone is one of the most fascinating non-fiction books I've read to date.

Ridley does what few science writers can do ... makes his subject comprehensible to even the most novice reader of science, yet maintains the compelling drama that one lately has only come to expect from books unfolding the latest theories on quantum physics.

Ridley takes the reader on a thrill ride through the depths of our evolutionary history, sex, politics, threats of genetic discrimination, eugenics, and potential cures for diseases that have plagued us for eons. All the while he rids us of the common misconceptions of genetics, with surgical precision.

If you have any interest in learning - not just reading ... but LEARNING how and why we are what we are, and why we can transcend our genetic programming, then BUY THIS BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: you inherit your emotions from your father?
Review: Want to know why your eyes are blue? What diseases you may be more (or less) suseptible to than others? why your spouse has those personality quirks? or what traits travel together in the genome? even maybe get an investment tip ? Read the book.

Rating:
Summary: This book reads like a thriller
Review: This book is written in an elegant manner and great passion. One is carried along in the search that started in modern times with Darwin observing the nature of the origin of species. It is like being able to look from the inside out instead of the outside in! This is a book for professionals and observers of the human condition.