The Theory of Evolution: What It Is, Where It Came From, and Why It Works [Paperback]

Cynthia Mills (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0471214841 | ISBN-13: 978-0471214847 | Edition: 1

Everything mammals ever wanted to know about the theory of evolution-but were afraid to ask
This important new book by award-winning science writer Cynthia Mills clearly explains one of the most crucial, and most misunderstood, concepts of modern science-the theory of evolution. After examining Darwin, his precursors, and how the theory of evolution developed, Mills answers key questions, including: How successful is the theory at explaining the natural world, and what does it fail to explain? What are some of the competing ideas and theories about the origin of the species? How will the theory of evolution likely hold up over time, as our understanding of genetics grows?
Cynthia L. Mills (Portland, OR) is an award-winning science writer and veterinarian. Her article "Breeding and Discontents," originally published in The Sciences, was selected for The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2001, guest-edited by E. O. Wilson. Also in the same series: The Big Bang Theory (0-471-39452-1) by Karen C. Fox

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Popular legend has it that the theory of evolution sprang fully formed from Darwin's brain, like Venus from the head of Zeus. Mills, an award-winning science writer and veterinarian, pulls back the curtain on the dozens of scientists who have contributed to our modern understanding of evolution. Even before Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, scientists contemplated the idea; Mills includes a poem by Darwin's grandfather that comes close to our modern understanding of the origin of life. Mills describes the evolution of evolutionary theory, along with the many pitfalls and theoretical dead ends encountered along the way. Darwin himself was not free from error, initially believing that inheritance was caused by a commingling of the parents' blood in the fetus. Any discussion of evolution must include the strong and ongoing anti-evolution movement, and Mills successfully weaves this into her narrative. In a section on eugenics and social Darwinism, Mills clears away confusion over what evolution does and doesn't claim about humanity and explores the theory's misuses and abuses at the hands of politicians. Mills's writing is concise and elegant, making a compelling story out of an avalanche of scientific papers and public debates. Even for a student of evolution, this book contains a few surprises. For the novice, Mills provides a complete glossary that demystifies scientific jargon. The discussion of the most recent debates on evolution is a little opaque, but readers will finish this book understanding what evolution is, where it came from and why it works, just as the title promises. And with a simpler style than Larson's, this will be accessible to a larger contingent of readers.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Popular legend has it that the theory of evolution sprang fully formed from Darwin's brain, like Venus from the head of Zeus. Mills, an award-winning science writer and veterinarian, pulls back the curtain on the dozens of scientists who have contributed to our modern understanding of evolution. Even before Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, scientists contemplated the idea; Mills includes a poem by Darwin's grandfather that comes close to our modern understanding of the origin of life. Mills describes the evolution of evolutionary theory, along with the many pitfalls and theoretical dead ends encountered along the way. Darwin himself was not free from error, initially believing that inheritance was caused by a commingling of the parents' blood in the fetus. Any discussion of evolution must include the strong and ongoing anti-evolution movement, and Mills successfully weaves this into her narrative. In a section on eugenics and social Darwinism, Mills clears away confusion over what evolution does and doesn't claim about humanity and explores the theory's misuses and abuses at the hands of politicians. Mills's writing is concise and elegant, making a compelling story out of an avalanche of scientific papers and public debates. Even for a student of evolution, this book contains a few surprises. For the novice, Mills provides a complete glossary that demystifies scientific jargon. The discussion of the most recent debates on evolution is a little opaque, but readers will finish this book understanding what evolution is, where it came from and why it works, just as the title promises. And with a simpler style than Larson's (reviewed above), this will be accessible to a larger contingent of readers. (May)
FYI: This is the second volume in Wiley's What It Is, Where It Came From, and Why It Works series. (Publishers Weekly, March 22, 2004)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (April 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471214841
• ISBN-13: 978-0471214847
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,648,189 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

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Book and Learn, June 22, 2004

By 

Beth Naser (Lewiston, ID United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Theory of Evolution: What It Is, Where It Came From, and Why It Works (Paperback)

This book is very good. I am very impressed by Cynthia Mills' ability to summarize so much information into an enjoyable read. It is easy for me, the lay person, to understand and retain as I progress through the decades. Her examples of the different concepts and terms are clarifying and appreciated.

Ms Mills did a great job. I wish a million people would immediately buy it so she is encouraged to write more books. I think it would be a great book for an introductory course, as it is such a concise overview of theories leading up to Darwin's and continuing to new theories. I especially enjoyed the last quarter of the book as these newer theories are less familiar to me. The bibliography has given me new material to read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for the non-scientist, August 7, 2006

By 

L. A. Gregorio (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Theory of Evolution: What It Is, Where It Came From, and Why It Works (Paperback)

Cynthia Mills has given us an excellent introductory book for the non-scientist. It is intelligently written, easy to read, up to date and accurate. I recommend it most highly to anyone looking for a well-written introduction to the theory of evolution. What is more, it is suitable for intelligent readers of high-school age or beyond.