A wonderful book, wonderfully narrated

I have lost count of the number of times I have read this book. From my battered copy of the first edition to the newer, but still well thumbed, later one. Now an audio book! An audio book narrated by Richard Dawkins himself and his wife Lalla Ward. It was a must have! It is a must have for anyone interested in the great question - where did we come from! In this early book Dawkins has not yet displayed his atheistic position quite so obviously [although it is still present] and, in a way, that makes the book even more impressive. As a scientific narrative it is excellent. The arguments, the examples, and the explanations are crystal clear and, whether or not you actually agree with the position he takes, it is an interesting journey. It was a book which helped me to get to where I am today and, being honest, clarified my thoughts about God, the Universe, and everything! I think it is the sheer wonder of natural selection as a 'system' that destroys the foundation for a creator. It is such a 'simple' thing.
The narration is above excellent. Dawkins has a wonderfully effective speaking voice [his lectures are a pleasure] and the interposition of his wife's voice add interest and variety. If you have an interest in one of the 'great questions' - if not the only one - then listen to this book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

38 people found this helpful

Thoroughly interesting

Ive always wanted to read one of Dawkins books, I bought the Blind Watchmaker but didn't get round to reading it and so bought this audiobook. I'm glad I did it, although the book was more interesting in some places than others that is only to be expected. I loved hearing Dawkins updates to the original text, well narrated and an excellent read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

15 people found this helpful

Great book and an eye openner

There are some parts (few only) that I didn't agree with - This might be because of over simplification which, to me, lead to a wrong conclusion.

The book opens the door to a lot of questions for an inquisitive mind. I highly recommend it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Interesting and easy to follow

The main premise of the selfish gene, as I took it, is that throughout evolution one gene has been present and predominant within all of us, and responsible for the proliferation of humans up unto this point in history; he refers to it as the selfish gene.
The book is quite detailed but never particularly complicated. Dawkins makes great effort to ensure that every theory, idea or fact is carefully, and clearly explained, using extensive footnotes throughout (I listened to this book rather than read it so the footnotes were easily followed although I’m not sure how this comes across in the physical book (if it’s a case that they are at the bottom of the page, or back of the book, I’d imagine it would be quite tedious to keep breaking away from the narrativ but in the audio version however this was certainly not the case).
One of the more interesting things I took away from this book was the notion that our genes will outlive us and that even an ancestral legacy becomes meaningless as the generations dilute it through time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Very enlightening

I like Richard Dawkins' eloquent style, he is very adept at putting his views over. The original book has been developed further in this second edition by adding footnotes where relevant. He is equally comfortable delivering criticism as he is receiving it as he seems to take delight when his views are challenged as it usually develops the topic regardless of the outcome.

The book can get a little difficult to follow at times as there can be a lot of information in a short period. That said I didn't always find it necessary to follow the book with total accuracy if understanding as it still makes sense without the granular detail

So, if you want to understand this word for word you might find the printed version easier to follow, alternatively, there are times when you might want to sit down with a pen and paper to make notes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Well written and read. Recommended.

Liked the two narrators to show what was original and what was added. Clear and concise treatment of theory of genetic evolution. Can't help but think he could have played devil's advocate a bit more

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

mind... blown!

this reminded me of uni days listening to the lecturer give an awesome lesson. I found myself at times wanting to take revision notes. Both narrator's were fantastic and extremely comfortable with the flow of knowledge. I will be buying more of Richard's books.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Amazing

A truly enlightening experience!

Highly recommended for anyone seeking truth and understanding of why we are the way we are 😊

Very well explained by Richard Dawkins, some fantastic natural occurrences used as examples.

Narration is very concise and professional as expected of the Author.

What else can I say.. Listen right to the end! Amazing!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Good introduction into socio-biology

Narration is slightly confusing but a good (but somewhat high-brow) introduction into sociobiology.

Dawkins is clearly very clever, and his arguments are neatly constructed. For those without a biological background, the terminology here may be somewhat confusing. I like the challenge, but this is not an easy read.

I'm nowhere near qualified to judge the accuracy of the arguments however..

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

bìŕlìennt thaut process..

Good narration
wonderfully connected
mutilated hum
an brain chaĺlenges
creator
we have to agree selfish world correct name

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!