The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History [Paperback]

Stephen Jay Gould (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 1987

"Gould himself is a rare and wonderful animal—a member of the endangered species known as the ruby-throated polymath. . . . [He] is a leading theorist on large-scale patterns in evolution . . . [and] one of the sharpest and most humane thinkers in the sciences." --David Quammen, New York Times Book Review

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is Gould's fourth volume of essays reprinted, with postscripts, from Natural History. Gould's monthly columns seem to take on new meaning in these collectionseach becomes a piece in a mosaic pattern of thought. Thus, The Flamingo's Smile gives a glimpse at the big picture. The essay on the extinction of dinosaurs is placed effectively next to a consideration of humanity's possible extinction through nuclear war. The discussions of evolutionary biology include new pieces from recent research and revisions in previously held beliefs, as well as a surprisingly relevant essay on the decline in batting averages in major league baseball. And, for the first time, Gould writes for the general reader on his own research on Bahamian land snails. This book requires undivided attention, but the reward is special insight into the complexities of evolutionary biology. Susan Klimley, Columbia Univ. Libs., N.Y.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Gould himself is a rare and wonderful animal-a member of the endangered species known as the ruby-throated polymath. . . . [He] is a leading theorist on large-scale patterns in evolution . . . [and] one of the sharpest and most humane thinkers in the sciences. -- David Quammen

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (January 17, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393303756
• ISBN-13: 978-0393303759
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,165 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen Jay Gould (1941-2002) was the Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology and Professor of Geology at Harvard University. He published over twenty books, received the National Book and National Book Critics Circle Awards, and a MacArthur Fellowship.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awestruck, July 23, 2001

By 

Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History (Paperback)

When I first cracked this book as a graduate student, I had little idea of what I was in for: sure, I expected a little on Darwin's theories and some history, but nothing else. What I found was an astonishingly rich panorama of issues connected to Darwin, the nature of science, and of course its misuses. From the trials of the Hottentott Venus to the mistakes of Audobon, Gould has fascinating and humorous perspecitives to bring. It was the ideal diversion - procrastination can be sooo delicious - from the dessicated economics and statistics that I had had to read and the start of a great love affair with this author, one of the finest writers alive.

Gould writes with the most astonishing lucidity and the most elegant style that I have ever read in a science writer. Indeed, those who disagree with him or look down on him - and there are many at Harvard - sarcastically cite his writing talent as the "reason" for his enduring success! Well, I would hope so. If they could write as well as Gould, then perhaps they could advance their opposing views, like, more effectively.

Highest recommendation.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly enjoyable, October 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History (Paperback)

This was my first introduction to Gould. I think any of his Reflections in Natural History are the best place to start because of the multiple essay format. I read with strange amusement another review about how p.c. Gould is. Ignore him. You will learn a lot about both scientific history as well as basic principals of evolution

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars About Evolution: Read the Gould books, then Richard Dawkins, November 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History (Paperback)

The Flamingo's Smile, The Panda's Thumb, and the Dawkins books (principally The Selfish Gene, which has a lot of useful information among the "meme"-pushings) are a wonderfully readable discussion of how evolution came to be the accepted theory of the origins and development of life. If you don't want your scientific world-view enhanced, avoid reading these books, and don't whine about them if you _do_ read them. If you are truly curious about why the vast majority of scientists who study evolution find it the most consistent and believable explanation for how we got here, these are the classics, and entertaining to boot: read! Enjoy!