The Engineer in the Garden: Genes and Genetics : From the Idea of Heredity to the Creation of Life [Hardcover]

Colin Tudge (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0809042592 | ISBN-13: 978-0809042593 | Publication Date: December 1994

Today we are developing a science that could change the world - for good or ill - more quickly and more profoundly than ever before. The science of genetics promises - or threatens - nothing less than the creation of life. Colin Tudge leads the reader gently through the deepest intricacies of genetics. He traces its history. He explores its awesome power and its current applications. And he speculates on its thrilling - or terrifying - future. He has written an essential book for anyone interested in the future of the human race.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

British science journalist Tudge has produced an exciting, intellectually adventurous survey of modern genetics, beginning with the neo-Darwinian fusion of Darwin's gradualist evolutionary ideas and Mendel's plant-breeding experiments, and extending to the latest advances in sociobiology, gene therapy, bioengineering, genetic screening, efforts to preserve biodiversity and the Human Genome Project to map the entire human DNA sequence. Mulling over why sexual reproduction arose, Tudge finds strong evidence for the "Red Queen hypothesis," according to which sex fosters genetic variability, thereby helping creatures defeat parasites and viruses. He neatly demolishes theories linking race to difference in intelligence. The author believes that with the invention of farming, natural selection no longer favored passive hunter-gatherers but promoted exploitative, industrious individuals, whose characteristics dominate modern society. Also included are his prescriptions for increasing the chances for survival of our species.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

While a number of recent books have dealt with genetics, relatively few deliver a good balance between overall breadth of coverage and the intelligent, readable synthesis of the myriad issues introduced as a result of breaking genetics research. British science writer Tudge accomplishes this daunting task admirably. Beginning with a historical survey of the field, he continues with discussions of the principles of genetic replication and natural selection, then examines how those processes can be manipulated and what it all means to individuals and society. Stylistically, Tudge writes in a practical, disarming prose that is a refreshing contrast to the turgid voice favored by both alarmists and enthusiasts. The final chapter offers as good a summary of the ethical and public policy challenges raised by genetics research as can be found anywhere. Fine as an alternative or complement to Robert Shapiro's The Human Blueprint (LJ 9/1/91) in any core collection of popular works on genetics.
Gregg Sapp, Univ. of Miami Lib., Coral Gables
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 388 pages
• Publisher: Hill & Wang Pub (December 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809042592
• ISBN-13: 978-0809042593
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,221,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Engineer in the Garden, April 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Engineer in the Garden: Genes and Genetics : From the Idea of Heredity to the Creation of Life (Hardcover)

This book is an interesting look at genetics, heredity and our understanding of these sciences and what they mean, or should mean, to our planet and our daily lives. The author gives a very clear history of genetic theory, cloning and the Human Genome Project. This book should be read by anyone who needs better knowledge of this topic, which is just about all of us.