Cats are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics [Hardcover]

Laura Gould (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1568813201 | ISBN-13: 978-1568813202 | Publication Date: February 1, 2008 | Edition: 2nd

In 1988, when Laura Gould brought her newly-adopted cat George to the vet, the vet smirked at hearing the masculine name. He soon turned pale, after taking a closer look at George. George is a calico AND he is male. The logic of genetics that resulted from Gregor Mendel s famous experiments with peas tells us that only female cats can be calico. But George and his maleness are undeniable certainties. How do you get a George? This question led Laura Gould on an exploration of the facts and history of genetics. As she dipped into this knowledge, many more questions soon followed. This book portrays Gould s journey through the research and understanding of (cat) genetics and her journey through cat ownership. Ten years after the first publication of Cats are not Peas, the author updates the tale with two major developments in genetics: the sequencing of genomes and the production of clones. Where are cats on the list of species to first have their genomes sequenced? What was cloned first, a cat or a dog? The answers to these questions and others appear in the Addendum included in this new edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Difficult to put down. . .Coherent, witty, and full of historical anecdotes. --New Scientist, review of First Edition

An easily understandable introduction to genetics[with] a fascinating perspective. --Veterinary Technician, review of First Edition

About the Author

Laura L. Gould's interests range from computational linguistics to the social implications of technology (co-founder of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility) to the innovative transmission of ideas (recipient of U.C. Berkeley's Distinguished Teaching Award). She lives with her husband, two cats and copious wildlife in a wilderness area of Northern California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: A K Peters, Ltd.; 2nd edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568813201
• ISBN-13: 978-1568813202
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Cats > Breeds

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you need a great gift for a cat-lover, I've found it!, February 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cats Are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics (Hardcover)

"Cats are Not Peas" by Laura Gould is remarkably well written, and manages to be both very funny and very accurate. Laura discovered that George, one of the two cats she got from the animal shelter was both undeniably male and undeniably a calico. But calico cats are always female, according to legend and some vets. So how did George come to be? Laura's investigations began with the vet who turned pale, and included a charming series of adventures with cats, libraries (with the occasional librarian whose duty it was to prevent books being used), investigations into the history of genetics (thus giving the book its title), and Japanese newspaper archives. This is no dry scientific tome. In fact, Laura's search for an explanation for George is tightly interwoven with delightful stories of George (and his companion, Max) at home in the California hills, blistfully oblivious to their mistress' task, and coping in their delightfully feline way with their unusual environment. I've already bought 6 copies of this extraordinary book for friends and relatives...

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Romp through Some Complex Genetics, January 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cats Are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics (Hardcover)

Gould's research into the genetics of calico cats began when she acquired George, one of those creatures that popular wisdom says doesn't exist: a male calico cat. She mixes anecdotes about George along with simple explantions of his not-so-simple genetics. The book is enlivened by historical overviews of strange, antiquated theories about reproduction and stories of frustrated early geneticists who tried to solve the calico puzzle. In her attempts to figure out George, Gould has provided an accessible introduction to genetics (not just feline) that anyone can understand-it doesn't matter if you can only vaguely remember Mendel's name from high school. Cat-lovers in particular will appreciate this book, but even if you aren't interested in cats or you know all about Barr bodies, Gould's inquisitive and humorous style still makes for a fun read

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for owners of Calico cats, December 6, 1998

By 

Sarah Sammis "Avid BookCrosser" (Hayward, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cats Are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics (Hardcover)

I found this book quite by accident but it was exactly what I was looking for. Not only did this book share my love of cats and interest in calicos but gave a clear and easy to understand explanation of calico genetics.