Engineer In The Garden - Softcover

Colin Tudge

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0712661689 ISBN 13: 9780712661683

Publisher: Pimlico, 1995

About this title

From Library Journal:

While a number of recent books have dealt with genetics, relatively few deliver a good balance between overall breadth of coverage and the intelligent, readable synthesis of the myriad issues introduced as a result of breaking genetics research. British science writer Tudge accomplishes this daunting task admirably. Beginning with a historical survey of the field, he continues with discussions of the principles of genetic replication and natural selection, then examines how those processes can be manipulated and what it all means to individuals and society. Stylistically, Tudge writes in a practical, disarming prose that is a refreshing contrast to the turgid voice favored by both alarmists and enthusiasts. The final chapter offers as good a summary of the ethical and public policy challenges raised by genetics research as can be found anywhere. Fine as an alternative or complement to Robert Shapiro's The Human Blueprint (LJ 9/1/91) in any core collection of popular works on genetics.
Gregg Sapp, Univ. of Miami Lib., Coral Gables
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

British science journalist Tudge has produced an exciting, intellectually adventurous survey of modern genetics, beginning with the neo-Darwinian fusion of Darwin's gradualist evolutionary ideas and Mendel's plant-breeding experiments, and extending to the latest advances in sociobiology, gene therapy, bioengineering, genetic screening, efforts to preserve biodiversity and the Human Genome Project to map the entire human DNA sequence. Mulling over why sexual reproduction arose, Tudge finds strong evidence for the "Red Queen hypothesis," according to which sex fosters genetic variability, thereby helping creatures defeat parasites and viruses. He neatly demolishes theories linking race to difference in intelligence. The author believes that with the invention of farming, natural selection no longer favored passive hunter-gatherers but promoted exploitative, industrious individuals, whose characteristics dominate modern society. Also included are his prescriptions for increasing the chances for survival of our species.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pimlico
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0712661689
• ISBN 13: 9780712661683
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 416