An Urchin in the Storm: Essays About Books and Ideas (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Many animals, including Jesse James, Alexander the Great, and the giant panda, must, Janus-like, show two faces to the world-one required by legend, the other..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As a Darwinian biologist, Harvard scientist Gould has waged an ongoing battle with those who oversimplify evolutionary theory. He reminds us that understanding how an organism now functions may not explain why it evolved as it did. And when the organism in question is the human being, Darwin must sometimes yield to Lamarck, Gould freely admits, since we hand down cultural traits directly to our offspring. In this collection of reviews reprinted from the New York Review of Books, the author of Ever Since Darwin takes aim at sociobiology ("cardboard Darwinism") and the racialist theories of Arthur Jensen. He takes shots at Jeremy Rifkin, noted opponent of Darwinism and of genetic engineering. Gould argues that the scientific establishment's rejection of Barbara McClintock, forerunner of molecular genetics, had as much to do with her idiosyncrasies as with the fact that she was a woman.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Unlike Gould's previous books of skillfully turned essays, this is a collection of reviews. In some cases, such as the biographies of Just and McClintock, Gould doesn't so much review the books as reflect on their subject matter; it is frequently difficult to tell where Gould ends and the book under review begins. Other reviews, such as those of Kitcher's Vaulting Ambition and Jensen's Bias in Mental Testing, are vigorous critical appraisals using specialized terminology and subtle distinctions to discuss evolutionary theory. Unlike Gould's other essays, these do not stand independent of the books they review and consequently are not as accessible to general readers. A good addition to research collections but not essential for general ones. Susan Klimley, Columbia Univ. Lib .
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (October 17, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393305376
• ISBN-13: 978-0393305371
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #435,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars splendid, rich essays full of humanism and depth, July 10, 2005

By	Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

These essays, many of which appeared in New York Review of Books, contain some of Gould's finest writing. What makes it very fun is the way he critiques the ideas of others while telling stories and analysing their perspective. If you want a critical vantage on sociobiology, this is a great place to start. You can also read a wonderful review of Turning Point by Frijof Capra, which Gould finds wanting because it is full of assertions that are ultimately unproven. I would agree, but I did see a lot of merit in Capra's ideas of holistic science as well, which represented a precurser to complexity theory. Then there is Gould's trenchent critique of Jeremy Rifkin, whom he says lacks integrity because of his scientific sloppiness and the tendentiousness of his many errors - interesting because one would imagine they would be on the same side on many issues. Through it all, Gould appears as a tolerant spirit, advancing his perspective while respecting that of others with a critical gaze.

Of course, there is Gould's inimitable style: so graceful and flowing that each is like a succulent hors d'oeuvre or some variety of Turkish delight. I honestly think that the quality of this writing is on a par with Emerson or Thoreau. It is the profoundest of literary talents.

Warmly recommended. He was one of our very very best.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Urchin in the Storm, July 23, 2002

By	Joe Zika "Khemprof" (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

An Urchin in the Storm by Stephen Jay Gould is about books and ideas, but more so about writing, thinking and study in method.

An Urchin in the Storm is divided into five different sections. The first two sections of this book group reviews that discuss the irreductibility of history, along the way the pleasures and challenges of contingency, in its two principle domains of life and the earth. The first section on evolution focuses upon structuralist and hisoricist alternatives. While the second, explains nature's complexity, (Evolutionary Theory, Time and Geology).

The third section of this book explores the theory and consequences, both political and intellectual, of biological determinism. The fourth section deals with "Four Biologists." While the fifth works with "In Praise of Reason." As we read on throughout this book, Gould makes his point and scores, as he exposes fallacies, expands on geology, give thought to biological determinism, and gives the reader a clearer picture of evolutionary theory.

This is a fascinating little book, as Gould works through this little tome, like the urchin, always presenting a tough exterior and continues to prickle the enemy.

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant mind, May 15, 2006

By	Jessie loves to read "Jessie" (New York City) - See all my reviews

I just read this SJ Gould book of reviews and essays. Gould had a brilliant mind and is highly missed. The essays are complex, and the points well made. As always I give my full trust to Gould's wise opinion.