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The Selfish Gene

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The Selfish Gene

By: Richard Dawkins
Narrated by: Richard Dawkins, Lalla Ward
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Richard Dawkins' brilliant reformulation of the theory of natural selection has the rare distinction of having provoked as much excitement and interest outside the scientific community as within it. His theories have helped change the whole nature of the study of social biology, and have forced thousands of readers to rethink their beliefs about life.In his internationally bestselling, now classic volume, The Selfish Gene, Dawkins explains how the selfish gene can also be a subtle gene. The world of the selfish gene revolves around savage competition, ruthless exploitation, and deceit, and yet, Dawkins argues, acts of apparent altruism do exist in nature. Bees, for example, will commit suicide when they sting to protect the hive, and birds will risk their lives to warn the flock of an approaching hawk.This 30th anniversary edition of Dawkins' fascinating book retains all original material, including the two enlightening chapters added in the second edition. In a new Introduction the author presents his thoughts thirty years after the publication of his first and most famous book, while the inclusion of the two-page original Foreword by brilliant American scientist Robert Trivers shows the enthusiastic reaction of the scientific community at that time. This edition is a celebration of a remarkable exposition of evolutionary thought, a work that has been widely hailed for its stylistic brilliance and deep scientific insights, and that continues to stimulate whole new areas of research today.©1989 Richard Dawkins (P)2011 Audible, Inc. Animals Biological Sciences Evolution Evolution & Genetics Genetics History & Philosophy Philosophy Physical Illness & Disease Science Thought-Provoking
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Editor reviews

The internationally best-selling The Selfish Gene, is written by renowned author Richard Dawkins and narrated in this unabridged 30th Anniversary audiobook edition by the author himself alongside Lalla Ward. Darwin’s theory on natural selection are revisited in this absorbing book that aims to explain why nature is selfish in its instincts for survival. Dawkins also reveals those selfless acts to protect others that are occasionally seen in nature and tries to explain why they occur in the animal kingdom irrespective of conscience. It includes the original foreword by Scientist Richard Trivers and a new introduction by the author. Available now from Audible.

Critic reviews

"Dawkins first book, The Selfish Gene, was a smash hit.... Best of all, Dawkins laid out this biology - some of it truly subtle - in stunningly lucid prose. (It is, in my view, the best work of popular science ever written.)" (H. Allen Orr, Professor of Biology, University of Rochester, in The New York Review of Books)
All stars
Most relevant
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.

A wonderful book, wonderfully narrated

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What did you like most about The Selfish Gene?

I love the natural history that is introduced - as well as his referring to mathematical models, some erudition concerning the fate/state of man - with not TOO much politically correct screening. I also love the way he debates things - with himself - and others and brings their work and his work in. It might sound self-serving from a distance but it's also analytical and discerning.

What did you like best about this story?

Having the female voice breaks up the listening experience and helps to differentiate between the different threads. I love the fact that footnotes are read throughout.

Have you listened to any of Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I had never heard his voice before. It's fascinating.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It felt quite nostalgic. Back in the 60s and 70s people seemed to have time for animals and research. I'm not sure we do now.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to listening to it many more times, perhaps taking notes and looking at the internet at the same time sometimes to give me a "bigger picture".

Amazing book

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I am not educated in this domain, but I find it fascinating. Therefore I try to educate myself. Mr. Dawkins rules.

Amazing book

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I was recently asked "why are humans the only species to have developed intelligence to the level we have?". This fascinating book, with a lot of information in it, has been written in such a way that I was able to give a pretty reasonable answer. This book is wonderful and explains things in such a way that average Joes like me can comprehend.



Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward co-narrate the book (as in other RD books) and it works really well. If you are interested in the natural sciences, this book is a must.

Truly a great learning experience

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Would you listen to The Selfish Gene again? Why?

Brilliantly written and easy to understand

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Selfish Gene?

The subtle humour mixed with inspiring knowledge of the world.

What does Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Keeps my attention longer.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes

Any additional comments?

No

A great read for biology students

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