The Language of the Genes - Hardcover

Jones, Steve

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002550202 ISBN 13: 9780002550208

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1993

Synopsis

Commissioned by the BBC to deliver the Reith Lectures in 1991, Steve Jones has used them as the basis for this book which argues that the evolution of our genes may be compared to the evolution of language. Genetics, argues the author, can help us unravel the mechanisms and fortunes of human evolutions in far more detail and with much greater confidence than was possible a few years ago. This book shows readers how close we are to success in the search for our origins. Drawing on complementary studies in anthropology and cultural history as well as the latest discoveries in the field of genetics, the book deals with pedigrees, mutation, natural selection and other processes that led to the origins of humanity and the divergence of human populations from each other and from their primate ancestors.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

WINNER OF THE RHONE-POULENC PRIZE FOR THE BEST SCIENCE BOOK OF 1994
WINNER OF THE YORKSHIRE POST BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD 1994

“Not so much divination as demystification . . . An attempt to bring genetics and evolution more into the public domain. If, for instance, you ever wondered just what genetic engineering is about, here is as good a place as any to discover. Few have Jones’ ability to communicate a difficult idea with such humour, clarity, precision and ease. “
LAURANCE HURST, 'Times Higher'

“Jones is sensitive to the social issues raised by genetics . . . Yet his interest reaches beyond contemporary social issues to the human past, to what genetics can and cannot tell us about our evolution and patterns of social development. He interleaves a broad knowledge of biology with considerations of cultural, demographic and – as the title indicates – linguistic history. Based on his 1992 Reith lectures, Jones's book is as once instructive and captivating. “
PETER TALLACK, 'London Review of Books'

“Trenchant , witty and enlightening . . . Jones' literate and wide-ranging book is an essential sightseer's guide to our own genetic terrain. “
PETER TALLACK,' Sunday Telegraph'

“This brilliant and witty book . . .is highly literate, and Jones goes a long way to bridging the deepening chasms between the two cultures. Not to know how genes affect us is to ignore a central factor in our lives.”
LEWIS WOLPERT, 'Daily Mail '

‘’Smoothly written and easily read . . . An absorbing and fascinating romp around the world of genetics.‘’
JOHN GRIBBIN, 'Sunday Times '

About the Author:

Professor Steve Jones was born in Wales, educated in Scotland and lives in London. He is Professor of Genetics at the Galton Laboratory at University College London.

His first book, ‘The Language of the Genes’ (1993), won the Rhône-Poulenc Prize for the Best Science Book of the Year. It was based on the Reith Lectures he gave in 1991. He is Co-Editor of the ‘Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Human Evolution’ and joint author of The Open University final year genetics textbook.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0002550202
• ISBN 13: 9780002550208
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 263