Evolution for Everyone

Starred review from January 15, 2007
Evolution is far more than just dinosaurs and fossils, Wilson says, and he enthusiastically explains, with a clear and pleasing style, how it affects our everyday lives. This is Wilson's fourth book on evolution (Darwin's Cathedral
, etc.) and is by far the most accessible account of evolution for a general audience, as well as the farthest ranging. Building on diverse examples, Wilson demonstrates that evolution is completely relevant to modern human affairs, including how we use language, create culture and define morality. The discussion is as entertaining as it is easy to follow, covering topics as seemingly unrelated as why the burying beetle commits infanticide and why so many domestic animals have floppy ears. For readers seeking a more technical presentation, Wilson offers both a complete bibliography and list of Web sites for reference. Readers who've grown weary of the usual treatment of evolution as a deadly foe to religion will find Wilson's book a cheerful antidote, breaking new ground in its sweeping breadth and offering much to think about.

April 1, 2007
Wilson (biology & anthropology, SUNY Binghamton; "Darwin's Cathedral: Evolution, Religion, and the Nature of Society") prefers the title evolutionist, rather than evolutionary biologist, since he uses evolutionary theory to explain a wide range of human behavior. Although an ardent enthusiast of evolution, the author subjects his many conjectures to rigorous testing and expects others to do the same in order to make any valid claims. As a result, he is an excellent guide to help lay readers develop an evolutionary understanding of human nature. This personable yet erudite book, his first written for a general audience, is full of provocative, original perceptions and connections. Wilson tries to make the process of arriving at these insights as transparent as possible. His desire is to show that the work of science doesn't take any special gifts and that evolution is easy to understand. Also, in using evolutionary theory to explain religion, he doesn't use it to dismiss religion. Rather, he cautions against all belief systems, secular as well as religious, that ignore factual reality. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.Walter L. Cressler, West Chester Univ. Lib., PA

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2007
Wilson, the author of " Darwin's Cathedral" (2002), tends to approach evolution from slightly offbeat angles. Describing himself as simply an evolutionist (rather than an evolutionary biologist, or some other qualifier), he uses the principles of evolution to understand "all things human." Can evolutionary theory explain the horizontal-vertical dimensions in religion ("out there" versus "up there")? Is there a genetic basis for the human desire to dance? Is there an evolutionary explanation for the simplest human traits, such as laughter? The author describes his book as a "journey from the origin of life to human morality and religion," and that sums it up pretty nicely. Sure to be derided or condemned by some evolutionary specialists--especially those who live in the Ivory Archipelago, Wilson's "home" for scientists who microscopically examine Darwin's theory while ignoring its larger, real-world implications--the book is nevertheless ambitious, thoughtful, and intellectually stimulating. Readers will agree or disagree with Wilson to varying degrees, but they will all agree on one thing: he makes you think hard about how we got the way we are.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)