Customer Reviews

The Language of Genes

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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.

"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.

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.

I read this book about 4 years ago - so i can't remember too much detail. However - although i very really read anything other than fiction, I found this a very informative and enjoyable read. Steve Jones seems to be one of those (too few) experts who can explain things to the layman without being either patronising, or expecting a level of expertise already. Plenty detail, lots of anecdotes and interesting highlights - I ended up with a broad and unbiased understanding of the subject. ( and am now doing an OU course on it, it was so interesting). Well worth the time.

This is a clear, yet thoroughly engaging, look at our genes and how they affect us and society. It is lucid and easy to understand and not at all bogged down by scientific jargon or obscure references. It is a pleasure to read such an informative book, put forward in a highly entertaining way. A must read for any popular science book fan, or anyone with a passing interest in genes/genetics.

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Excelente libro del profesor Jones en el cual de manara facil nos interna en el increible mundo de los genes.

I found this book very informative and valuable. Knowing about genetics is important because it is more and more penetrating into our lives. If somebody does not like that state of affairs he or she should get informed to be able to exercise qualified opposition.

The book is well written and on a non-expert level.

Book based on a series of BBC programmes.
The main themes are evolution through mutation and natural selection, and heredity.
The treatment is popular.
The text could have been better edited because certain topics are repeatedly discussed, although always with other examples.
This book is only recommendable as a first introduction.
Congratulations to the BBC.

I got a little bogged down with this book. I'm pretty familiar with genetics and this is an excellent overview of human genetics (though the copy I have is from 1993 and an updated edition would be nice.) I like how the author presents human genetics in light of our evolutionary history: the book is as much about anthropology as it is about genetics. I thought the prose was a bit static and there were times that I had to reread passages to figure out what the point was. All in all a good book, though, with tons of information.