Beginnings: The Story of Origins (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This volume falls somewhere between a history of science for young people and a compendium of scientific trivia. Asimov, author of A History of Physics and countless other books, discusses originsfrom human flight to viruses, earth and the solar system. He examines the beginning of civilization and the evolution of life, from single-cell organisms to modern humans. Though treated briefly, each topic is well-organized and smoothly written; Beginnings would serve nicely as a launching pad for a neophyte's interest in the sciences. Notably lacking, however, is a list for further reading.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Asimov traces the ancestry of humankind, starting with historical times and moving backward to find the origins of ancient man, hominids, mammals, chordates, microorganisms, and the universe. His discourse is capable, but superficial and unenlivened by fresh anecdotes, a la Stephen Jay Gould, or original ideas. Informed readers may be impatient with his introductory-level treatment of evolution and astronomy; others may benefit from his lucid explanations. Charles Pellegrino's Time Gate ( LJ 6/15/85) covered the same ground but offered controversial new theories. Beginnings is suitable, but not indispensable, for the public or college library. Beth Clewis, Univ. of North Carolina S.I.L.S., Chapel Hill
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 289 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (May 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425115860
• ISBN-13: 978-0425115862
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,262,464 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, informative read!, February 12, 2001

By	J. Sias (Kenwood, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of my favorite books for evenings when I feel like learning something in an entertaining way. Of course, if you're looking for an exhaustive treatment of any of the varied subjects covered, you'll have to turn to the many authoritative texts out there (for example, the part about vertebrate paleontology sparked my interest enough to read an old textbook that had been sitting on my shelf a long time called "Evolution of the Vertebrates" which turned out to be excellent!).

The main charm, and ultimately the main value, of this book is not however its depth but its impressive breadth. I love the sense of mystery it is infused with. Rather than take the typical approach of starting with the Big Bang and summarizing major events after that, he actually begins with a seemingly simple topic that most people feel they know enough about -- the history of human flight. This leads into another chapter about recorded history, which leads to the bigger mystery of prehistoric civilizations, then the origin of man himself... well, you get the picture!

For anyone with a fascination for science, love of a good mystery, and fondness for the Good Doctor's deceptively simple but always informative prose, look no further than this little gem. I picked it up as an afterthough because I loved Asimov's fiction, but I've now read it three times in as many years!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent review of evolutionary history, October 30, 1998

By A Customer

Asimov, as usual, handles these topics with a clear, concise presentation of the facts. His explanations are excellent. He provides very good, concrete arguments for the evolutionary processes which have shaped and guided our growth and development. I couldn't put it down and continually reread it.I recommend it to anyone interested in the truth about our existence.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A coprehensive course of science., December 23, 1998

By A Customer

Azimov's Beginnings is a book every science teacher and student must read.I begin, finally, to understand all those boring highschool science classes. A masterpiece.