In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity [Paperback]

Daniel J. Kevles (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0520057635 | ISBN-13: 978-0520057630 | Publication Date: August 1986

Daniel Kevles traces the study and practice of eugenics--the science of "improving" the human species by exploiting theories of heredity--from its inception in the late nineteenth century to its most recent manifestation within the field of genetic engineering. It is rich in narrative, anecdote, attention to human detail, and stories of competition among scientists who have dominated the field.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In the 19th century, when the idea of eugenics (selective breeding to generate superior members of a species) was invited off the farm and into the parlor, it was a far-fetched notion with little possibility of success driven by clearly racist motivations. But at the end of the 20th century, biotechnological techniques and other agendas are making forms of human eugenics plausible. Rich in anecdote, narrative, and fact. An important book. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

A revealing study of the tangled history of the eugenics movement and its relation to the science of human genetics...Kevles makes clear the symbiotic relations between the genuine science of genetics [and] the political programs and prejudices of the eugenicists.
--Leon J. Kamin (New York Times Book Review )

A lucid and intricate history of eugenics...which has long been the preserve of specialists. Yet an understanding of that history is central to informed debate on issues affecting the public in general and scientists in particular. Kevles's lively and informative book makes that debate possible. It deserves a wide audience.
--Diane B. Paul (Scientific American )

All the more powerful for confronting folly [with] urbanity and a clear eye.
--Horace Freeland Judson (New Republic )

The historical sweep that [Kevles] brings to bear in this marvellous book should make us ponder over the tenacity of eugenic theories. What does it say about our thought processes and the social structures that foster them? In addition to a gripping text Kevles provides copious notes and an essay on sources. He weaves personal histories into the history of the field so skillfully, blending anecdote, hard science and--albeit in a restricted sense--sociology, all in the correct proportions, all with enviable style and verve, that it is only after putting the book down that you realize you have been instructed while being entertained.
--Vidyanand Nanjundiah (Journal of Genetics )

The finest of all books on the history of eugenics.
--Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 436 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (August 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520057635
• ISBN-13: 978-0520057630
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #859,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interested in U.S. eugenics movement, must have this book!, July 15, 2001

By 

K. L Sadler "Dr. Karen L. Sadler" (Freedom, Pa. USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity (Paperback)

...This was one of the most widely recommended and referenced books by those who disagree or agree with the eugenics movement in the United States. Those who lambasted the scientific idiots running the eugenics movement as being prejudiced and biased in their science, lauded this book as one of the most complete of all recent books written on this topic. Those who support the motives behind eugenics, fixed upon this particular book and author as the one they needed to tear apart. That gives readers an idea of how accurately Kelves pushed the buttons of those who would practice eugenics, euthanasia, doctor-assisted suicide, and other such controversial practices. Kelves research job is outstanding, and even though the reader can tell the opinion of Kevles from the way he writes, he certainly more than backed up his writing with pertinent references and cross-references.

In fact, I enjoyed reading his references and bibliography, because it was just loaded with information that he chose not to use in the text of his book. I also tend to go searching through his index and references for extra information because of all of the books I've read on eugenics here in the U.S. his is the most valid and inclusive of everything I've seen so far. This is a topic which is very difficult to read, let alone write about, without developing very strong opinions not only of the movement itself, but of the people involved one way or another in this particular stain on American history. See...I cannot even keep my own mouth shut for writing a short review on a book on the topic...I cannot imagine researching it for a period of years and being expected to remain distant and objective about it. Kevles does a relatively good job presenting the facts and not becoming too strident about the questionable scientific practices which flourished in order to 'prove' preconceived ideas and beliefs. The book is extremely readable (especially compared to most textbooks for sociology or ethics), and I can understand why professors would recommend this book to their students rather than reading a dry textbook. I certainly have no plans to get rid of my copy, and I will be lending it out and recommending it to those I teach concerning the disabled and bioethics. ...

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I had to read it for school., May 11, 2000

By 

E. S. Leifsson (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity (Paperback)

I had to read it for school... I am a college freshman...in my Sociology class we had to choose a book off of a reading list to report on.

Remembering the mention of Eugenics in High School Biology, and remembering my odd fascination with genetics and hereditiy, I thought I'd give this book a try. I was fully ready to embark on a difficult and heavy book that discussed scientific matter that went over my head (being a film student, eugenics doesn't come up very often.) Much to my surprise I found the book very readable, and I became obsessed with reading it. Everything about the whole eugenics scene was so complex and intereting.

I think I could keep up with it all because of the way the author presented the subject. It was laid out so that a person (like me) who knew next to nothing about eugenics, could pick up the book and get a history of the people and the practices of genetics and the uses of human heredity. I recommend it to anyone who is somewhat interested in eugenics, but does not have the background or time to devote life study to it. It satisfied my curiosities and my book report! :)

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history of Eugenics, April 27, 2001

By 

Anna Morrison (Durham, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity (Paperback)

Kevles is a very clear and thorough writer. I have read other articles by him as well as this book, and he presents the history of eugenics and its modern possiblities with a readablility that will be clear to anyone, even w/o a sciene background. The book does cover a lot of information, but is enjoyable. If you have an interest in the possibilities regarding the use of genetic knowledge, this book is worth your time.