kahawa's review against another edition
5.0
Probably the best short explanation of evolution that I've come across. Dawkins is, as usual, articulate and didactic. Many books about evolution talk about evolution without explaining what it is; this book makes it pretty clear, and might be a good starting point for people trying to understand how it works. He sticks to the science pretty well without venturing too much into philosophy or theology.
manny_calavera's review against another edition
4.0
A great introduction to Dawkins work. It is a short read but would take time since it is concept heavy. Dawkins has the art to explain complex matter in a simple manner. This serves me well as an introduction to his other more famous books.
andrewgraphics's review against another edition
4.0
Dawkins summation of evolutionary biology uses simple metaphors and experimental results to make his points clear and builds upon them to make more complex ideas more apparent.
This is a book from the Science Masters series from the 90s, where experts in given fields are given a chance to write to a broader audience. Very clear, and barely controversial.
This is a book from the Science Masters series from the 90s, where experts in given fields are given a chance to write to a broader audience. Very clear, and barely controversial.
robotowilliam's review against another edition
3.0
A short, easy read that covers no new ground. I think it was intended for wider audiences than his previous books, but for me it didn't contain much of use.
amarj33t_5ingh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
As a Sikh, I don't concur with the whole gamut of Dawkin's views on metaphysics but nor do I find any conflict with his irrefutable thesis on Evolution.
River Out Of Eden illustrates how life exploded from bacterial DNA and evolved based on alternating circumstances (geological predominantly) to furnish our current existence.
Dawkins is succinct in his narrative but a few failures downgrade him. First failure is his inability to simplify complex gradient factors into comprehensible elements. Readers will be left confounded as to what he means.
The second failure is his push to argue for the non-existence of a conventional God. While Dawkins is usually erudite on this point, he betrays himself in this particular case by digressing into formulaic tangents which consistently fly over the readers' heads.
Overall, River Out Of Eden is crisp and concise but some tangential arguments momentarily derail it. Four stars.
River Out Of Eden illustrates how life exploded from bacterial DNA and evolved based on alternating circumstances (geological predominantly) to furnish our current existence.
Dawkins is succinct in his narrative but a few failures downgrade him. First failure is his inability to simplify complex gradient factors into comprehensible elements. Readers will be left confounded as to what he means.
The second failure is his push to argue for the non-existence of a conventional God. While Dawkins is usually erudite on this point, he betrays himself in this particular case by digressing into formulaic tangents which consistently fly over the readers' heads.
Overall, River Out Of Eden is crisp and concise but some tangential arguments momentarily derail it. Four stars.
korey's review against another edition
5.0
Some good anecdotes to explain evolution. The deaf mother turkey and wasp examples are amazing.