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Though this is a reprint of a book first published in 1985, the bulk of the story remains unchanged. Gribbin takes the reader from the early 19th century, the people and ideas that influenced Darwin, rapidly though Mendelian genetics and inheritance into the depths of modern quantum physics and chemistry. There is some fairly serious science here but with a bit of effort and the help of the diagrams in the book, the general reader can get the drift of the most important ideas. Gribbin always provides a human angle through a knowledge of the scientists who have made the discoveries and had the ideas. They provide the essential background to understanding the importance of the double helix story and its consequences which have revolutionised so much of modern biological science.
The last part of the book returns to the Darwin connection and the tricky question of the The Descent of Man (Darwin's book was published in1871) and its update. Molecular evolution and the use of the molecular clock have overthrown traditional ideas about our relationship with the apes and the recency of a common ancestor. It is perhaps a pity that Gribbin has not added other more recent developments to the story, such as the ramifications of our new ability to "read" the complete genetic code for organisms, but he is a prolific author and is no doubt working on it. -- Douglas Palmer
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Book Description Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. Ex library copy with usual stamps & stickers. Seller Inventory # wbs2795108120
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Book Description Condition: Good. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,700grams, ISBN:0704530775. Seller Inventory # 9312170
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Corner unclipped, Some light wear to edges and corners of dustjacket, edges a little creased, Underjacket in good condition, some slight wear to edges and corners, Corners a little bumped, Top and bottom of spine bumped, Internally in good condition, pages crisp and clear. Seller Inventory # 025339
Book Description Hardcover with dustjacket. Unclipped. Near fine, near fine. First edition. 369 pp. Seller Inventory # 220447867