The Way Life Works [Hardcover]

Mahlon Hoagland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0812920201 | ISBN-13: 978-0812920208 | Edition: 1

In the tradition of David Macaulay's The Way Things Work, this popular-science book--a unique collaboration between a world-renowned molecular biologist and an equally talented artist--explains how life grows, develops, reproduces, and gets by. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

I can think of virtually no better book for introducing children or biology-impaired adults to the wonders of the machinery of life, from the molecular to the macroevolutionary. Wonderfully written, delightfully illustrated, and sure to engage and educate. A delightful and successful cross between Larry Gonick's classic Cartoon Guides and Cartoon Historys (but less flip) and David Macaulay's many masterful books on the way things work (but more comprehensive). Highly Recommended. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"a fresh look at how we teach biology...a completely new type of textbook that is both scientifically accurate and stunning to look at." -- Bruce Alberts, President National Academy of Science

intelligent and charmingly strips away the veil of ignorance that too long has separated the student from the molecules that make possible life -- James D. Watson, Nobel Laureate --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 233 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (October 10, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812920201
• ISBN-13: 978-0812920208
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandatory learning, February 2, 2005

By 

M. Chmiel (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Exploring The Way Life Works: The Science of Biology (Paperback)

I agree with the other reviews but take issue with the Amazon reviewer: This book is not for the biology illiterate. Those who love biology will be especially charmed by the way the material is presented here. It will allow those proficient in biology to see different perspectives on familiar concepts. From a pedagogy perspective, there is no better biology text-truth be told: visuals are presented using a number of models so students can understand conceptual nuances. The attractive pictures are inviting and interesting. Text and picutres are united and work together- you don't get blocks of words. It is engaging-not "easy". And often it is darn funny.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish they had a six star category..., July 19, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Delaware, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way Life Works (Hardcover)

The previous reviewers have pretty much covered all ground so I'm writing this review just to add another 5 star rating to this book, The cartoons are nice but they do make the book about five times as large as it would have been otherwise. Other than that I have no complaints. If you don't know much about cellular biology, here is your chance to learn about photosynthesis, protein synthesis, DNA replication, evolution, etc. and actually ENJOY it!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy the Book! It's well worth the investment!, February 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Exploring The Way Life Works: The Science of Biology (Paperback)

This book is excellent! If you're a current or future student of biology (especially a beginner, like me), or even a teacher, you will have no trouble understanding the concepts of biology due to the illustrations and explanations. The book's examples reference everyday life so you can instantly apply what you're reading and seeing. The illustrations are colorful and well defined, and the text is light and even a bit humorous. As a future teacher this book will definitely be added to my permanent collection of reference books.