The Human Genome, Second Edition: A User's Guide (Elsevier Science in Society) [Paperback]

Julia E. Richards (Author), R. Scott Hawley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0123334624 | ISBN-13: 978-0123334626 | Edition: 2

This second edition of a very successful text reflects the tremendous pace of human genetics research and the demands that it places on society to understand and absorb its basic implications. The human genome has now been officially mapped and the cloning of animals is becoming a commonplace scientific discussion on the evening news. Join authors Julia Richards and Scott Hawley as they examine the biological foundations of humanity, looking at the science behind the sensation and the current and potential impact of the study of the genome on our society.

The Human Genome, Second Edition is ideal for students and non-professionals, but will also serve as a fitting guide for the novice geneticist by providing a scientific, humanistic, and ethical frame of reference for a more detailed study of genetics.

New in this edition:
· 60% new material, including data from the Human Genome Project and the latest genetics and ethics discussions
· Several new case studies and personal stories that bring the concepts of genetics and heredity to life
· Simplified treatment of material for non-biology majors
· New full-color art throughout the text
· New co-author, Julia Richards, joins R. Scott Hawley in this revision

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Using the theme of sexuality, the authors discuss basic genetics information and analytical techniques and the genetic basis of cancer, AIDS, and mental illness. A very complex subject is broken into understandable pieces and then put back together to form a complicated but comprehensible whole.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This second edition of a very successful text reflects the tremendous pace of human genetics research and the demands that it places on society to understand and absord its basic implications."
-BIOWORLD, 2006

"The clarity of writing and thought in The Human Genome, A User's Guide makes an understanding of genetics and its impact in modern society accessible to everyone."
-Bruce Chase, University of Nebraska at Omaha

"It is easy to read, well thought-out, and full of good examples that clearly explain some of the more difficult concepts in modern genetics."
-Richard K. Wilson, Washington University

"The authors have done a superb job of identifying the key concepts and breaking them down into understandable and relevant explanations..."
-Neil Lamb, Emory University

"This is an excellent version of classical human genetics for sophomore level science students or for all levels of non-science majors."
-John Merriam, University of California at Los Angeles

"It is enjoyable to read, clear, and accurate... The first edition was excellent but this one is even better."
-Philip Meneely, Haverford College

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (October 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0123334624
• ISBN-13: 978-0123334626
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Individual aspects of disorders covered, April 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Human Genome: A User's Guide (Paperback)

I had this text for a MCB 10 (genetics) course at UC Davis in California. I found the science part of it interesting and for the most part helpful. I think the authors really tried to keep the reader's interest, and make a subject that is not always thought of as fascinating a little more light and relevant. People may disagree about including anecdotes in a textbook, but I think the anecdotes, while they may have been out of place, made the book more readable for me. Also, I really admired the way the authors focused on the individual aspects of the disorders they mentioned. As a young woman with Turners Syndrome, I can say that it was very refreshing that for once we were not portrayed as genetic mutants, and that individual differences that occur in any disorder was pointed out. I think it's sad, looking down the reviews, that only the bad reviews were seen as helpful. I would hope that people will give this book a chance.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Reference!, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Human Genome: A User's Guide (Paperback)

Science touches the lives of more people today than ever before, and The Human Genome: A User's Guide serves as a simplified but complete compendium of human genetics to be used by scientists and nonscientists alike. Subjects are explained clearly and conversationally but without the loss of the all-important details and facts, making this book a highly interesting read.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic new tool for teaching genetics!, August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Human Genome: A User's Guide (Paperback)

Here at last is a textbook based on the principle that critical thinking, not memory work, is the key to developing a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm for the field of human genetics. This book is definitely "user friendly" -- it takes an irresistibly creative, personable and often humorous approach to its subject. The passion of the authors for their subject is obvious. Many cutting-edge and often controversial topics are covered, including the fledgling genetics of various aspects of human behavior. At the same time, the authors strongly encourage scientific responsibility and serious contemplation of the ethical issues involved in such research. This is a book about genetics that really matters, and it is sure to hold students' interest. I highly recommend this text to anyone teaching human genetics at the college level. It renders even the most challenging concepts accessible to all, and thus is suitable for both bio majors and non-majors (psych, etc.) alike. Students who use this text will never look at genetics -- or humanity -- in the same way again!