Discoveries: Darwin and the Science of Evolution (Discoveries)

Rating:
Summary: Better devices and explainers
Review: The photograph of Darwin on the cover of this book caught my interest. Darwin's expression seems almost apologetic, as if to sadly say to future viewers that evolution is a hard but illuminating fact of life.

The book is packed with interesting 19th century photography and art relating to his family and achievements in science. As a device, the extensive use of photography and art gives one the flavor of his times, but as anyone who is interested in attaining at least a modicum of literacy in science knows - and where is there a better topic for one to start than evolution - understanding most present day science concepts reqiures considerable effort. And it may be expecting too much of any author, however expert, to explain the concept of evolution in this small and thin book.

The sample dialog from the Scopes trial in the 1925 religious controversy is old, tiresome and a waste of time. To make a personal discovery one needs the help of better devices and explainers to begin to wade the deeper waters of the current literature on the science of evolution.

Rating:
Summary: Better devices and explainers
Review: The photograph of Darwin on the cover of this book caught my interest. Darwin's expression seems almost apologetic, as if to sadly say to future viewers that evolution is a hard but illuminating fact of life.

The book is packed with interesting 19th century photography and art relating to his family and achievements in science. As a device, the extensive use of photography and art gives one the flavor of his times, but as anyone who is interested in attaining at least a modicum of literacy in science knows - and where is there a better topic for one to start than evolution - understanding most present day science concepts reqiures considerable effort. And it may be expecting too much of any author, however expert, to explain the concept of evolution in this small and thin book.

The sample dialog from the Scopes trial in the 1925 religious controversy is old, tiresome and a waste of time. To make a personal discovery one needs the help of better devices and explainers to begin to wade the deeper waters of the current literature on the science of evolution.