The Language of Genes [Paperback]

Steve Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1995

Surveys the burgeoning study of genetics, from its origins to the current progress in identifying the causes of diseases, the ethical questions raised by bioengineering, and the effect of genes on human sexuality. Reprint. K.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The author examines genetics, its benefits and its potential dangers.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Witty and erudite, but a little unfocused, this title is as much about anthropology and (pre) history as genetics. Jones has produced a thought-provoking and free-wheeling book for the nonspecialist that touches on the genetics of languages, the role of sexual reproduction in genetic mutations, the evolution of farming, and the relationship of surnames to gene pools in various populations. The wide variety of topics considered is refreshing, as is the worldwide focus, but readers looking for a quick overview of genetics should look elsewhere (e.g., Robert Pollack, Signs of Life: The Language of DNA, LJ 1/94). Periodically, the author interjects purely speculative comments, but in general the lessons and conclusions of this book are complex and suitably low-key, given the rapid pace of change in molecular biology today and the difficulty of foreseeing all the future implications of these changes. Not an absolutely essential purchase, but an interesting one.
Mary Chitty, Cambridge Healthtech, Waltham, Mass.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (June 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385474288
• ISBN-13: 978-0385474283
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,355,296 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great place to start understanding genetics, January 25, 2000

By 

Justin Ratcliff "egovirus" (S.Pasadena, Ca.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Language of Genes (Paperback)

Having but a limited background in Anthropology, there is much in this book that I appreciated. I found it to be a great way to start understanding a subject more shrouded in rumor than actual, factual, representation. And that is too bad. How typical it is though, for so few to understand the ramifications, and importance of this subject. And I laugh every time I see a horror movie that is based on a monster who was genetically engineered. It's important when someone from within the community of science comes out to report on what has been discovered, what direction(s) we're going in, and what it all really means to our place in this world, and our comprehension of that place. Steve Jones does a wonderful job, and it is important to note that he does stray from the subject of genetics, into the other strange facets that such entails. Like Anthropology, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and of course Biology. Not to mention a few laughs at the expense of those lunatic Creationists. But the book does not lack humility at the same time. There are just as many pokes at the scientific community as well. This book will make you feel smarter, and make you wonder about things like, why are there males? and, Are we just carriers for our DNA, who have their own agenda? It's a very compelling read. Therefore I must recomend it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to genetics for the layperson, December 6, 1999

By 

Carlos R. Lugo-Ortiz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Language of Genes (Paperback)

"The language of the genes" is an excellent introduction for the general public to what the field of genetics is--and is not. It is also a strong argument against the so-called 'eugenics' movements of the past. Without insulting the reader, the author uses a very accessible language to explain difficult ideas about genetics, and completely destroys claims, on supposed scientific grounds, about differences in our own species. Yes, we are all different, but can we justify the separation of humans into races--and the politics based on those differences--on genetic grounds? The answer Jones provides is a resounding "No!", and he explains why convincingly.

I found the author's discussions on genetic conditions, cancer, and aging fascinating. Also, his discussion on the origin of humans and the eventual demise of the Neanderthals is extremely interesting and convincing. It is obvious that the author has conducted a considerable amount of research on population genetics, and his explanations on the subject, particularly when applied to humans, are very clear and satisfactory. The weakest part of the book is perhaps the author's discussion on what's in store in the field of genetics for humans and the possible philosophical issues involved, but it is nevertheless food for thought.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in genetics and its impact on humans. It is a worthwhile reading, even to those who specialize in the field.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good place to start if you want to understand genes, January 4, 2003

By 

Torgeir Kruke (Norway) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Language of Genes (Paperback)

The study of genes, and in particular the human DNA, is progressing at phenomenal speed. "The Language of Genes" gives the reader an excellent understanding of the importance of this scientific branch. The book avoids the scientific particularities and concentrates on implications and conclusions drawn from its insights. Steve Jones gives us a good understanding of how present days genes make for documentation of evolutionary history - and how evolution triggers genetic responses that can be seen in the genetic mix of the world we live in.

Jones touches some of the moral questions connected with genetic science. I personally appreciate the anecdotal style with lots of stories about mistakes from earlier days. But Jones also points to dubious conceptions in today's society as well as future dilemmas we will face when our ability to screen and manipulate individual DNA is improved even more.

"The Language of Genes" is enlightening layman reading for many years still. Since the matter at hand is subject to intense research and progress it is however inevitable that sooner or later the need for an update becomes apparent. The book is now fifteen years old, and since it was written we have seen the human genome being mapped in total and personal genome screening is approaching the USD 1000 limit when it is supposed to become available to "everyone". My advice is: Get a grip on what genes are, what they tell us and how genetic science will influence our future. "The Language of Genes" by Steve Jones is a good place to start.