Cloning: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guide (Oneworld)) [Paperback]

Aaron D. Levine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 24, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1851685227 | ISBN-13: 978-1851685226

Should we clone extinct or endangered species? Are we justified in using stem cells to develop cures? When will we clone the first human? Ever since Dolly the sheep, questions like these have rarely been far from the public consciousness, and cloning is now poised to revolutionize medicine, healthcare, and even the food we eat. In this masterful introduction, Aaron Levine explains the science and development of cloning, right up to the present-day scandals surrounding attempts to clone humans. Guiding readers around the thorny political and ethical issues raised by such progress, Levine dispels the myths perpetuated by the media and sheds new light on the pros and cons of this fascinating and controversial topic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent general introduction to the complex subject of cloning." -- Dr. Ian Wilmut - lead scientist in the team to clone Dolly, the sheep

"Brings together the scientific, ethical, policy, and potential applications of cloning research in a clear and highly readable discussion" -- Dr. Jane Maienschein - Director, Center for Biology and Society, Arizona State University, and author of "Whose View of Life? Embryos, Cloning, and Stem Cells"

"The coverage is broad, the commentary tempered by `the facts', and the writing should be readily accessible to the non-scientist." -- Dr. Mark S. Frankel - Director, Scientific Freedom, Responsibility & Law Program, American Association for the Advancement of Science

An excellent general introduction to the complex subject of cloning -- Ian Wilmut - lead scientist in the team to clone Dolly, the sheep

Brings together the scientific, ethical, policy, and potential applications of cloning research in a clear and highly readable discussion -- Jane Maienschein - Director, Center for Biology and Society, Arizona State University, and author of 'Whose View of Life? Embryos, Cloning, and Stem Cells'

About the Author

Aaron Levine is currently conducting research on the impact of public policy on biomedical research at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oneworld (May 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851685227
• ISBN-13: 978-1851685226
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Aaron Levine is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, where his research focuses on understanding the impact of public policy on the development of ethically contentious technologies, particularly in the life sciences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!, June 19, 2007

By 

science junkie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cloning: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guide (Oneworld)) (Paperback)

This book is a must read for anyone who wants a clear description of the complex subject of cloning. Levine's account of the historical advances that eventually led to the cloning of Dolly in 1996 is highly informative and entertaining. While the common myths about cloning perpetuated in Hollywood movies are dispelled, Levine presents a balanced view of the ethical issues surrounding cloning and how various governments have responded to the potential benefits and risks associated with this research. I highly recommend this book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and to the point!, July 9, 2007

By 

J. Domanski "minstrelnyc" (Hudson Valley) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cloning: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guide (Oneworld)) (Paperback)

This is a very nicely packed description of the topic. Very well written: includes all the basic information plus a thorough exploration of related issues all delivered in an easy to read, enjoyable, conversational tone. I'm impressed by the amount of information within and the accessibility of its presentation. Not only a great way to access information on the science behind cloning, but a guide to the potential cloning shopper. Read within to see whether you should plan on counting on cloning to provide a repeat pet, a customized kid, or a replacement liver.

Great information for everyone - beginner, policymaker, or scientist looking for insight into the latest on cloning science. A great choice!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clear, Concise Introduction to Cloning That Should Be Read By Everyone Interested In This Issue, July 8, 2007

By 

John Kwok (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cloning: A Beginner's Guide (Beginners Guide (Oneworld)) (Paperback)

"Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is more than just a mere introduction to the contentious issue of cloning. It is the best, most concise, and clearly written, summary that I have encountered (Indeed I am so impressed with Aaron Levine's skill in handling this subject, that I've recommended to a friend who teaches introductory biology at his college to consider using excerpts from Levine's book in his class.). Levine is also a fine writer who does an admirable job in discussing the issue of cloning from virtually every perspective, without clearly demonstrating any bias - pro or con - for some of its more contentious aspects. Much to my amazement, Levine has covered succinctly in less than 171 pages of text, not only the history of cloning, but its moral, and technological, implications too. In eight terse chapters, Aaron Levine discusses the history of cloning, the importance of embryonic stem cell research as a valuable new means of human therapeutic healing, the ethics of cloning, and its future. Truly, in the best sense of the term "primer", it functions admirably as such, giving readers a superb resource on cloning that they may return to frequently.

The first half of "Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is devoted to the origins, history, and current status of (vertebrate) animal cloning. In Chapter 1 "What cloning is and why it matters", Levine explains the importance of cloning as both a future reproductive and therapeutic tool, dispelling many of the myths and misconceptions associated with it (The most notable example is one popularized by recent Hollywood films like "Multiplicity", in which adult clones are shown performing daily tasks; a fictional depiction which Levine notes correctly is biologically incorrect for obvious reasons related to normal human growth and development.). The chapter which follows is a brief introduction and history of genetics, cell biology and developmental biology. The third chapter traces the history of successful cloning of vertebrates by embryologists, culminating with the announcement of Dolly's birth in 1996. What follows next (Chapter 4) is an excellent discussion of both actual and potential usage of 21st Century cloning in animals, covering controversial issues such as the usage of cloning in preserving (or reviving in the case of extinct) species perilously close to extinction and in cloning favorite pet animals.

The second half of "Cloning: A Beginner's Guide" is devoted to the technological aspects of human cloning and stem cell research; their potential therapeutic benefits, and, of course, their ethical implications. Chapter 5 is devoted exclusively to stem cell research and the potential therapeutic benefits of human cloning. It is followed by an elegant, admirable survey on the ethical debate over human cloning itself (Chapter 6), covering every aspect, including religiously-oriented opinions expressed by leaders of several of the leading Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. The role of governments in affecting cloning - including stem cell - research is discussed in Chapter 7, comparing and contrasting American government rules and regulations with those in other countries, including the United Nations. Finally, in Chapter 8, Levine offers an eloquent exploration on cloning's future, ending on a somewhat hopefully optimistic note.

Anyone seeking a balanced, terse, yet still extensive, introduction to cloning will find Aaron Levine's book essential, required reading (The book concludes with an excellent, exhaustive glossary of terms and definitions immediately after Chapter 8; it itself is almost worth the price of the book.). Ths fine little book is one which does belong on the bookshelves of anyone - indeed everyone - interested in cloning. I know that mine will occupy an important space on my bookshelves for a long time to come.