A pristine book. Tim Birkhead's masterful hands, this highly original narrative reveals how the obsession of bird keepers turned the wild canary from green to red, and in the process, heralded exciting but controversial developments in genetic manipulation.

Seller Inventory # 003492

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Red Canary: The Story of the First Genetically Engineered Animal
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London, U.K
Publication Date: 2003
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0297829963
ISBN 13: 9780297829966
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Printing: 1st Printing
Condition: Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

At the turn of the 20th century canary mania spread from the US and South Africa to Europe, with 150,000 males being raised each year to satisfy demand. Hans Duncker, a German bird enthusiast, was fascinated by the fact that in the 1870s English canary breeders had caused a scandal by feeding their Norwich canaries with red peppers to turn them orange. Duncker spent the rest of his life (1881-1961) using breeding rather than feeding to try and produce a red canary.

Duncker's ultimately unsuccessful work was picked up by an Englishman, Anthony Gill, and an American, Charles Bennett, in the 1930s. This was all long before genetically modified organisms and Dolly the sheep, but this amazing story (with its backdrop of the rise of Nazism and eugenic policies) has huge contemporary relevance.

This is a highly original narrative revealing how an amateur obsession heralded the inherent dangers of genetic manipulation.

About the Author

Tim Birkhead is Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Sheffield. He has been President of the International Society of Behavioural Ecology, is a member of the Darwin Correspondence Project committee and he regularly contributes to radio and science television programmes, newspapers and magazines.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

BIAbook's goal is to bring books of value to books collectors and the reading public. We offer Fiction and Non-Fiction books. Our book collection is comprised of mostly. fine, first editions/first printing books many of which are Signed by the Author. We take pride in our customer service that includes well packaged, protected and tracked shipped books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

BIAbooks
NY, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you�ve changed your mind about a book that you�ve ordered, please use the [Ask bookseller a question] link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.00	US$ 11.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.