| The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution |  | Author: Richard Dawkins
Publisher: Bantam Press
Category: Book
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Rating:  131 reviews
Sales Rank: 15,687
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 406
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.7
ISBN: 059306173X
EAN: 9780593061732
Publication Date: September 10, 2009
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Product Description
Takes on creationists, including followers of 'Intelligent Design' and those who question the fact of evolution through natural selection.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 131
 Excellently educational yet still condescending July 31, 2010
Jimternet (West Midlands, UK)
I started reading this reluctantly, not because I disagree with its sentiment but because in previous books by Dawkins that I've read he has come across as a little too aloof and over the top. This book did contain a little too much overt criticism of what Dawkins describes as 'history deniers' - especially as these are exactly the people he claims to be writing this book for.
I got over my religious phase several years ago, and while I have returned to accepting evolution as scientific fact, this book is just what I, as a non-biologist, needed to explain the evidence it has left behind. Dawkins fills the book with examples from nature and the details of relevant studies and its hard not to want to know more. He knows exactly how much detail to go into though and stops before going to far. The level of science in the book is suitable for anyone regardless of their background.
What I think many readers will not like though is Dawkins choice of language. Not only is he very harsh to those who do not agree with evolution, but the language he uses comes across as written in a quite snooty tone. He uses lots of long words where shorter synonyms would do.
Each chapter deals with a separate aspect of the evidence, from fossils to molecular clocks and deals with each to a sufficient degree that the lay reader can understand the point.
I don't think that anti-evolutionists will be persuaded though. Dawkins is a fantastic teacher but only to those who already want to learn. I think those of sufficient religious inclination will find enough to put them off. Those who, like me, want to understand though will find this an excellent read. Great book - probably Dawkins best.
 Not his best book July 31, 2010
A Reviewer (Sweden)
Having read, and highly appreciated, some of Dawkins previous opuses (Climbing Mount Improbable, The Ancestor's Tale and The God Delusion) I looked forward to indulging this tome.
As always, Dawkins valiantly and stalwartly, lucidly and unerringly, explains evolution - what it is, what (and how much!) we know about it, and why and how we now know it is true.
Still, I must admit I was slighty disappointed. Let there be no doubt, however, that the facts and the conclusions (evolution is a scientific fact, period) are far beyond questioning. The slight trouble I have with this opus concerns other matters:
First, if you have already read some of his previous books, you will find not so few repetitions here. Naturally, and fairly, he is reusing his own material - but it does become a little bit tedious, I had been hoping for more new, detailed examples than there are.
Secondly, he states that he is (partly?) aiming this book towards persons not yet fully convinced that evolution is true. But, considering his writing style - which I partly find condescending towards apologetics and sometimes outright derogatory (however well deserved) towards creationists - I doubt any sceptic, even if open to making an honest attempt, will care to finish reading the book. While I personally share Dawkins values, I think he might have made a mistake in selecting this writing style.
While not bad, this is not the best of his books. Personally I would rather recommend Climbing Mount Improbable and The Ancestor's Tale.
 DOES NOT ANSWER THE BEGINNING OF LIFE CELL July 31, 2010
R. T. LEE (EXETER, DEVON)
I read this book with an open mind as I wanted the answer we are all looking for-"How did life begin" Yet again the question is avoided with the "Big Bang" theory. "It must have happened this way"
Mr. Dawkins sets out many really good science facts. If he had left it there the book would have been fine. There are so many suppositions and if, buts, and maybes that I ended up reading previous chapters to try to understand the one I was on.
The book is very good at glossing over ideas and then presenting them as facts.
I still come back to WHERE IS THE PROOF OF THE FIRST LIVING CELL?
I'M STILL WAITING FOR AN ANSWER. THUS THE BOOK FAILS AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.
Greatest Show on earth, but.... July 20, 2010
Ben Nicholson (Landrake, Saltash, Cornwall, UK)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
It was a very intresting book and is full of information. The book is very complete and well researched. It give's you all the evidence of evolution that you will need, not that I think it is needed, but it is shown in this book. I did find this a bit drawn out and dull in places, which neally put me off in places. It would be better if there was more science and less have a go at the church, religion or creationists (weather it is deserved or not). It was a bit tiring, but it still a good book.
 The greatest book on Earth... July 19, 2010
possiblejersey (Wales)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I'd read two of Dawkins's other books prior to reading this and I'd forgotten how excellent they were until reading this! He may occasionally be abrasive and frequently intolerant, but always with good reason. Creationism is nonsense so it should be treated with contempt. Evolution and creationism aren't two competing theories to be given equal consideration. Evolution is a FACT and creationism/intelligent design is a fantasy and Dawkins is an energetic champion of the former. I challenge anyone to read this book - read it properly - and not come away from it believing in evolution by natural selection. In fact, I think the first three chapters should in themselves achieve this. I also liked the author's pithy asides, footnotes, which were often completely irrelevant, but fun. Dawkins is a genius. And remember: natural selection is "all about the survival of self-replicating instuctions for self-replication". In other words, life is pointless. Fascinating, but ultimately pointless.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 131
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