Last time I jumped happily on the atheist bandwagon and pumped out a book recommendation I got my head bitten off by angry Catholics and Dawkins-haters alike. Sadly, I could not rush to his defence (like he needs me to!) because I had not read the book.
Well this time I’ve taken the time out to do so. I actually went for the audiobook release as it’s read in his tone of voice – in my head Dawkins shouts and spits when he says “KREEE-ASHON-ISTS”. So like it or not you’re getting my review and for what it’s worth (…ahem nothing) you’re all going to have to read it too before you’re allowed to comment on it!
First up let’s get one thing straight. I’m not a Dawkins evangelist – I give him no special treatment and I’m fully aware that you lot can find him “a bit snitty and pompous!” Well, fair enough – Michael Jackson had a weird nose and an unusual like for young boys but I still think Billie Jean is a classic! Dawkins also gets no special treatment just because Derren has had more than a little contact with him. And for those of you out there who question if this man is – a) a scientist – b) intelligent and well read – c) informed about the debate on atheism – please LEAVE NOW. It’s silly to suggest he’s not and shows you’ve either made it up in your head or you’re guilty of petty propaganda.
Right now that’s out of the way – on to the book.
This is a better release than The God Delusion in my eyes, but TGD had to be released in order for TGSOE to exist. An apt (or lame – you choose) comparison would be the Old & New Testaments. This is Dawkins’ New Testament and his devout followers will love it. Those of you who sit on the fence about him or dislike his constant preaching about “how silly Creationists are” (*flap arms) will also be happy to hear this has been cut down to more a more bearable level and at times actually becomes quite funny.
The book is incredibly well structured and has a great flow. I’ll admit that at times it gets a bit like being back at school in a lesson that goes a bit over your head, but Dawkins’ clear love and incredible knowledge of Genome Theory shines through constantly. His examples are both apt yet beautifully chosen, well illustrated and, unlike mine, always highly appropriate. For me the “and now the science bit” sections had me slapping my forehead like an ape – but this is completely offset by the fantastic reference material contained within.
Most interesting are the chapters on showing how “intelligent design” is far from it. In many cases evolution clearly hasn’t finished its job – or even responded that well at times. The flaws that exist in us and other species are highly apparent. From the useless nostrils of dolphins, dreadful (yet beautiful) design of the testicles, to the inadequate human spine or wasted organs such as the wings of flightless birds – obvious design flaws exists and are apparent all around.
And that’s why this book is so important. From every instance of how insects’ eyes function to the truth dogs reveal about evolution – it’s clear that Dawkins’ incredible understanding is a rare thing. You’d be hard pushed to find any volume that comes close to the vast array of knowledge so beautifully intertwined, or one as fascinatingly composed. It makes a strong case for proving just how brilliant evolutionary theory is by showing the parts that are still in the process of developing.
Now the God bit – well, this is obviously in there. There are more than a few pops at Creationists and the God-Squad. It’s well justified in most instances and it’s a return to The God Delusion in true Dawkins form. However, they act as a mirror to the understanding people do and don’t have on the matter. The statement “40% of Americans don’t believe in evolution” is possibly bending the truth a bit – 40% of Americans have no idea where Britain is on a map. It’s more a case of poor education than the solid belief that God made glowing colours and tiny wings with a hammer and chisel. Creationism is an easy default position to take when you’ve barely even had the most basic education in biology or science.
There’s no mention of “Does God exist?” here – so those tired with that debate will be pleased. Dawkins presents the point of view that you can believe in whatever deity you like, just don’t come out with hokum like “Intelligent Design” and hold it up as anything like scientific fact. It’s not peer reviewed – it’s hard to find a book on it in the first place and what small evidence there is for it is highly flawed and often requires evangelists to resort to sneaky rhetorical tricks like “why are there so many gaps in the fossil record?”.
Overall this is a very necessary book and one I’m sure will educate many in the understanding of evolution. Not only will it exist as its own reference to hundreds of debates on the matter, but as one of the most complete and easily accessible volumes available on such a vast and complex theory. So far sales are enormous, which is great for the debate and nice for Dawkins’ bank account – however I personally think that this should be weaved in to the school curriculum in every school and be heralded alongside Darwin’s Origin of the Species in its importance. It will eventually go out of date as the ignorant 40% start to disappear – but this is a tiny part of the book and it will become a historical record of peoples’ ignorance towards the natural world.
Well recommended – especially the wonderful audiobook for those of you like me with mild ADD. It also makes you look “well cleva” if you can carry it about and quote parts of it.
I won’t be giving away free copies as the Royal Mail seems to be suffering from Alzheimer’s but I’ll send a free audiobook download to 2 completely random people in the comments – and anyone who buys a hard copy or already has one is invited to tea.
Amazon book
Looks really good
Really interested in this topic, and having “debates” on facebook polls :L
I beg to differ. You can burn a book and its contents. You cannot so easily dispense with an irrational belief based on a fear of an inevitable death God wins again.
Sounds great – I thoroughly enjoyed TGD and will definitely put this one on my Christmas list. Oh, the irony!
Awesome review.
It’s an awesome book which is absolutely massive in scope – which befits the topic under discussion. The title sums it up: evolution is the greatest show on earth, with amazing variation and complex results dependent on simple local rules. Although I’m (almost) a biology graduate, I still enjoyed reading it, and learned about new examples which will almost certainly be used when countering creationist arguments.
People who automatically revile it because it “promotes” evolution are the people who most need – and who are least likely – to read the amazing story of how humans, cabbages, pill bugs and koalas came to be . For me, this story invokes more awe, wonder and amazement than any tale of supernatural deities.
Absolute must read – 11 stars out of 10!
I plan to read/listen to this book asap. Bring on the debate!
I am a christian, but I do agree with Richard Dawkins on some points; creationism is a lot of rubbish, and the evangelical movement is frankly distrurbing. I love science (currently applying for medicine at uni) and believe in evolution. My problem is Richard Dawkin’s intolerance of religion. I agree with him that a lot of christians have been indoctrinated to an extent, but I don’t understand why he just doesn’t let it drop.
If there is no god or afterlife, I would have hated to have wasted my life throwing my toys out of the pram, and causing deliberate offence.
Wait…what’s that I can hear in the distance..?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx7XNb3Q9Ek
Anyway, I would so appreciate a legitimate copy of the audiobook, so randomly pick me please
I’m about a third of the way through the book. It\’s wonderfully written, and I forgive him the occasional dig at the creationists because they are deserved digs and also make me laugh.
Great explanations too, even though I already know quite a bit of this stuff already; it’s good to have it all laid out in one book and in such accessible prose. I loved the bit about how the silver foxes bred for purely for tameness also, as an unintended by-product, turned black and white with floppy ears like Border Collies.
And I was a bit late for work this morning because I spent longer than usual sitting on the loo reading the book. Both legs went to sleep and I couldn’t stand up for a couple of minutes (what if there had been a fire?).
It is a very fine book.
Can’t wait to read it now… looks like a wee trip to Waterstone’s for me this weekend!
Well, I liked the part about Billie Joean and testicles. Will look for an ebook version imediately. I enjoyed TGD, but it was a bit too preachy. This sounds like a good follow up.
Thanks!
Excellent review Derren, and I couldn’t agree more. This book is truly a return to what Dawkins does best, espousing the astonishing natural world around us.
First and foremost Dawkins is a biologist, and I believe it would be a great shame if he were only remembered for being an atheist, for as a teacher of the natural world he excels. The Greatest Show on Earth is surely one of the most important books he’s ever written, and that makes for a truly compelling read, a book which should be read by anyone and everyone with even the slightest interest in our world.
Like all great science books Dawkins is both clear and articulate in what he says, but doesn’t dumb down the principles behind his points, making this surely a classic of our times.
Me Me, I want an audio download. Pweeeeeese (Big choccie covered pretzels). I don’t dispute the theory of evolution, I just tut, huff and puff a lot when people are rude to each other – No need.
Brilliant! I know what I’m getting with my EMA.
Its a shame his constant preaching has been cut down. I feel myself just agreeing with him. Creationism is the most stupid thing I have ever heard of yet loads of people believe in it. I have lost faith for the majority o
f humanity, but for the minority there is faith
Yay, I’ll be invited for tea. I would love to read this book and have a discussion forum thing on it! Ha! That’s my good idea for today. Thanks for this!
x
Sounds like it is going to be easier to persuade my friends with more faith to read this one than the God Delusion. I can’t wait to read the ‘complete volumes’ on the topic.
I’d also recommend for those people who are interested in this topic the book by my namesake Steve Jones “Galapagos in the Garden of Eden”.
Doonesbury as ever hits the mark in the Creationists v Evolution debate http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2005/images/1218doonesbury_lg.gif
I’ve read the intro online, and his analogy with selective dog breeding acting like evolution in a very short space of time… two-thousand odd years of selective breeding has given us chihuahas at one end and great danes at the other. His point is that if you turn that timescale into millions of years of animals selecting each other it’s not inconcievable that those differences will be magnified.
And to those who still stand by God’s ‘perfect creation’ designed by a benevolent father figure I offer this…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooaGhYFHIzg
Please randomly choose me! Apples
I have purchased said book.
I’m about 70% of the way through The God Delusion at the moment so I’ll probably grab this to follow on. I’m sure Mr D has no problem with “irrational belief based on a fear of an inevitable death” as long as those who hold such a belief are prepared to admit it irrational and stop forcing it on the rest of us.
Yes Simon you can burn a book and its contents, but just as peoples belief in God has been passed down through the ages through scripts (Bible) , so too can peoples belief in Nature and our existence. No winners or loosers. Would love to read this book.
This looks really interesting, definitely worth a read
40% of Americans do not know where Britain is? I beg to differ, but if thats true then what is this world coming to? lol
Dawkins’ work is a pleasure to read, and it is reassuring to see such a passionate and yet well reasoned and argued defence of science reason and evolution in the face of a religious minority who embarrass themselves and the entire religious population with their blunt, vitriolic and even threatening refusal to engage in debate over these important matters. I thoroughly look forward to reading this book.
It does indeed look very interesting. Audiobooks I do find easier for me sometimes too as I can listen to it whilst I should be working!
And also a very good review by Phillis (and no, I’m not sucking up!)
LC x
Looking forward to buying the book and making myself smarter!
From this posting I have taken away the knowledge that:
a) This is a book I will buy and most likely enjoy
b) Phillis thinks ‘nads are beautiful
I would have made some snippy comment along the lines of “huh huh… Derren has had ‘more than a little contact with him’, huh huh”, but apparently that’s not allowed, since I haven’t read the book and thus am excluded from commenting.
Which is a shame, ’cause I certainly would have enjoyed a chance to read it and winning a copy through the random commenter-selection would have been a nice scapegoat to do so.
Looks like it’s a must read then =]
Haven’t got round to reading the God Delusion, maybe I shall skip to this book instead … sounds really interesting,
My friends have been raving about this. One of them in Canada even got a signed copy! Lucky so-so.. Really must check it out.
@Joanne
Au contraire. You can’t “believe” in real things. You can observe them, sit on them, juggle them with a melon or sell them to tourists, but you cannot “believe” in them.
I felt like TGD was, for want of a Much Better phrase, preaching to the converted. Also a little relentless. I will, frugally and aesthetically, await the paper back. From the review it sounds like it has more of the Wonderful Wonderment of evolution!
It’s so much More uplifting to know the Wonderful of the Wonderment of it All, to know everything is there, in one way, because it Should be! Man.
Thanks for writing this great review, must admit i was hesitant at first to read the book, but will definitely have to have a read/listen now!
I bought & immediately read The God Delusion and although i struggled to understand some parts, i loved it and have been waiting for another Richard Dawkins book to get my teeth into.
Your review was great reading as i’m sure Dawkins’ book will be.
Hello there, sorry to bother you, I came across this link and I thought it might interest you? Take a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE5904Z920091001?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews
(although I disagree that our closest relatives are chimpanzees…. I think we are more like the bonobo…
).
Just a heads up…
The amazon link for the hardcover version is missing the ‘h’ in http:
Thanks, have fixed it – Abeo
Thanks for a great review. This is a must-read.
I wonder if these books actually inspire debate or are more along the lines of a manifesto.
im still laughing about the nacho cheese believe it or not….
Very much looking forward to hearing this one. Im gland you reviewed it. X:)
Thanks phillis, good review – looking forward to reading it myself. Read several of his books, he’s got an amazing ability to explain things in clear terms. I always recall him explaining why dolphins and whales have horizontal tails but sharks have vertical ones, and I take great pleasure in repeating it whenever I get the chance! (not this time though)
looks like a good book.
i believe it was einstein who said, “Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.”
I sincerely hope that you listened to your audiobook whilst riding public transport, and with MASSIVE 90′s headphones on.
Obviously your rotten wedding dress is obligatory, right?
I still can’t believe this book is only a tenner. Even students can afford it!
Weeee!
Coincidentally my copy of TGD landed on the door mat this morning and I plan to get started with it later… at this point I would loosely term myself a Christian, but understandably this has never really sat very well with my overwhelmingly scientific outlook on the world. I look forward to getting this next!
I discovered Dawkins shortly after I was awe struck by the Mighty Derren Brown; so after I gobbled up Derren’s Trick’s of the Mind I was going to jump into reading The God Delusion. But the whole anti-creationist argument does get a bit tired. After this glowing review however I think I may just have to give this book a chance if for no other reason than to help “Dawkins’ bank account” . That and with only a mere art degree my edumacation isn’t the most diverse in sciences.
That said I would also like to say I am saddened that Amazon links are not applicable to the US store so I can’t help Derren’s bank account grow with his affiliate link.
Hello all
, I am looking forward to getting my hands on this book i heard derren speak quight alot of richard dawkins in some of his shows maybe i dreamed it don’t know?LOL! but the point is i like to read i sometimes spend most of my days reading some people have quight bad views on richard dawkins 
but you know what i am going to just ignore that kind of people and shame on you people who judge, anyway i look forward to reading the book with great intrest 
take care all, em
ps sorry if all don’t make sence im full of cold
,em
Cheers for the review, Mr. Brown! I don’t have a copy but I’ll try and get one for the pagan holiday of december 25th.
And 40% of americans can’t point out britian? Really? How can people go through school and not learn things?
I am a relative new dawkins reader, having found him through the wonderful lyrics by Tim Minchin, I am currently listening to the god delusion and find it fantastic. I am thrilled there is another book out and it will defiately be on my athiest christmas list. Thanks for the great review
This book has been on my xmas list since I saw the ad. There is no god but I do like pressies and my little one will have great bedtime stories once Santa has left.
I learned from you that there’s no such thing as randomness, that everything is totally predictable and can be explained through causation. So I do not believe you will be randomly selecting 2 winners. Great blog entry, however!
I very much look forwards to reading or hearing this, TGD was interesting, enlightening, and hilarious at times.
Qutie a lengthy nice review! I haven’t read the book, so I can not really comment. Otherwise I probably would, not completely agree with Darwin all the time probably (but that keeps it alive I guess). Maybe he himself does not need to agree to all stuff in there either nowadays,, who knows. I certainly have biased views inside of myself towards a lot of stuff but will normally adapt to one of both the most.
Incredible understanding? Hm .. I myself would never say that about Darwin of anyone when it comes to studying stuff but hey … ehehehe …. I find the beardyman incredible.
Now we also need to have a review from Coopie, about .. erm … that’s up to you to decide upon.
I rarely actually look forward to reading a book but TGD changed my opinion and it certainly opened me up to thinking in a new way. I will certainly be getting a copy of this book.
I have read (& own) The God Delusion and thought it was excellent. Such a pleasant surprise for someone to say so articulately what I’m sure countless people are thinking, but don’t have the courage or motivation to say.
To be honest, I sort of ignored The Greatest Show on Earth because I thought Dawkins had already “blown his load” with TGD, so to speak. However, after such a sterling review as this, I’ll definitely pick it up!
How abridged is the audiobook?
There’s nothing like the whiff of a competition to get me posting on here.
If I win I will post more often – big promise.
I will indeed buy the book very soon, it sounds great. As a previous poster pointed out, the irony of receiving one for Xmas might prove too beautiful to resist.
As a separate point -I understand Christians don’t appreciate what they consider ‘attacks’ on or intolerance towards ‘religion’, but from reading TGD this is clearly not what he does or intends to do. His passion is borne from a frustration with religion, & those who promote aspects of it IN THE FACE of the scientific theory that completely and compellingly disproves it. And anyway, if you do believe in something so fantastic like god, surely you must expect SOME criticism & mockery from others?
This book has been on my xmas list since I saw the ad. There is no god however I like pressies and besides my little one will have great bedtime stories once santa has left.
The only thing less trusted than homosexuals in America are atheists. As a proud and unapologetic gay man from Florida who has no need to believe in god, I look forward to reading this book. It will be wonderful to hear an intelligent, educated and thoughtful voice on this topic for a change. The success of Rupert Murdoch’s Fox “News”, has transformed an industry once dedicated to the dissemination of unbiased facts into a gleefully fact-free, food-fight of politically derived lies. Books like this get very little coverage these days. Although I have no hope that the “moral” segment of our nation that proudly wears its ignorance like a screaming badge of indignation will either read this book or be swayed by it’s contents, I do thank you for bringing it to my attention!
“the Royal Mail seems to be suffering from Alzheimer’s”
so when is dr. dawkins making the case fer de-evolution?
Sounds good. Really looking forward to reading this. Oh, and just out of curiosity who is Phyllis?
See FAQ / About Page – Abeo
It’s certainly not something I’m interesting in. I think in this day and age there is so much information on the topic that I feel no need for someone selling me his collected evidence, mixed with his point of view on the whole thing and hidden critic of religions. If I wanted to educate myself, I would read some real scientific books from this field.
I like that you were trying to review the book in “non Dawkins evangelist” kinda way. However, I really hope the part where you compare it to Darwin’s Origin of the Species was meant to be a joke.
So don’t send me a book if I’m randomly chosen. Give it to someone who desire it.
I´m not buying alot,… but will be so having this one!
Never really read any of his stuff. There is no doubt that he is intelligent and well informed, just never had the desire to read any of his stuff. I liked the review though, Phillis, you have such a natural way with words!
Will be adding this to my Christmas wish list – yes atheists can join in too. Bizarre to think that Dawkins will probably make a good deal of money from this book due to Christmas!
If it is still available there is a good Radio 5 interview with RD on his website: http://richarddawkins.net/article,4355,Dawkins-evidence-for-evolution,Simon-Mayo—BBC-Daily-Mayo. It is worth a listen just to hear him trying to keep his tones measured when talking about young Earth creationists.
Loved The God Delusion for the very reasons most people seem to be hating on it… the anger Dawkins feels towards the irrational beliefs that are readily protected and freely espoused in this day and age is both refreshing and galvanising. Often I find myself torn between not wanting to be a grumpy old cynic at twenty-eight by arguing that religion, in all its guises, is pure irrationality and the desire to let out the chest-thumping, banner-waving ‘militant atheist’ that lives inside me.
I hear endless dogma from every religious person I’ve ever met or seen on TV. I feel it’s only right that they are challenged. Shining a light into the dark places isn’t an ad hominem attack and nor is it offensive or rude. It’s a bloody public service and anyone who provides it should be knighted!
Excellent review; I never finished The God Delusion.. you’ve motivated me to pick that up again before I read this new one!
I have never understood why anyone would ignore or dismiss such an elegant view of how life has evolved, without trying to understand a little of the science behind it. We now inhabit a world where so much of what we use everyday is incomprehensible to most if it were taken apart and the workings exposed. Even a common light switch is a mystery to most.
However, my copy arrived today and so I’m off to delve into that beautiful world where anything can, and has happened. And for the creationists out there, sorry but another “missing link” has been identified, Ardipithecus Ramidus, and they posit that it is the progenitor of both human and chimp lines of descent! Ain’t life a bitch.
Jumping on the begging bandwagon…
Tea please!
I want to know what all the fuss is about with Richard Dawkins! Not read any of his stuff but heard people ranting and raving about him and seen a clip of him and Derren chatting.
I went to watch Dawkins talk about this book as well as answer questions from the audience – afterwards I got my just-bought hardback copy of TGSOE signed (as well as a library book I happened to have with me at the time, “Unweaving the Rainbow” also by him – I assumed the library wouldn’t mind) and I shook his hand.
There may well be many more indepth biological books out there on the topic of evolution, and lots of information out there; the point is that most people don’t know that it *is* out there. For Dawkins, as a popular science writer, to release this book is not just educational in itself – it serves to spread the message and, if you like, advertise evolution to the masses.
I look forward to reading the book (tho I’d love to hear the audio, it would be a new experience for me!)
I havent read the book so cannot really comment but isn’t a so called design flaw maybe evidence of a species that hasn’t finished its evolution yet…like the wings on flightless birds
I very much like Richard Dawkins and am looking forward to reading or listening to the latest installment. There is no doubting that the man is very intelligent and has a huge passion for his subject and the subject is fascinating. Have to however love the conviction of the God squad, even though faced with some amount of evidence seem still to be blind!! Faith in my (lowly) opinion is for the lazy minded who have yet to study their belief.
I havent read the book so cannot really comment but isn\’t a so called design flaw maybe evidence of a species that hasn\’t finished its evolution yet…like the wings on flightless birds
I’ll be getting my copy when it’s in paperback. Not that I’m cheap, I buy hardbacks as gifts for people who don’t read and need a good ‘table book’ but you can’t read them on a packed commuter train.
Also I don’t get on with audio books, so if you randomly pick this comment… give it to someone else who’ll appreciate it more.
I think it’s important to note that in the Dawkins vs Religion debate, Richard Dawkins was just an evolutionary biologist looking to promote teaching in schools before the creationists and ID nuts tried to barge in. When they did that they made him into a hero for rationality in general.
I used to find Dawkins quite abrasive, but that’s because I only ever saw him in debates on the receiving end of snotty questions from people who think he’s the antichrist. Frankly, in the face of that I’d be abrasive.
Given space to clearly present information he’s an absolute delight.
am i the only one that wants to purchase a copy of “the gospel according to phillis”?
Why do people spend so much time attacking creationists (and, for the matter, astrologers, new-agers, people who believe in the paranormal)? Let them believe what they want, they’re not doing any harm. It’s like the smart kid in class picking on the special needs kid. Fkn snobs, I despise your smugness.
I’m an atheist and don’t give a rat’s arse what people choose to believe. Why don’t you try to rise above your mindless social darwinism and show some bloody compassion & tolerance. Frigging automatons.
Funny…this book caught my eye on the shelves of Smiths yesterday, I hadn’t been aware of his previous books…but this interested me. The reason it remained on the shelf is down to the date of pay day, and nothing to with the fact I thought it was written by the lead singer of rock band The Darkness!
Just watched David Attenborough’s doc on Darwin…The Tree Of Life, and came on here to Twitter The National History Museum. But your link caught my eye first…good stuff.
Will be watching Friday…cheers.
I always have great respect for Dawkins. A man not afraid of the confrontation and discussion, with lots of scientific proven facts to further support him. I also appreciate all the comments here. Great to hear more people think a like, offline it’s sometimes harder to find people that think that alike. Ofcourse I still love the wacky and strange… All the best and thank you for reminding us about the great qualities of this book
Had to run out of the door when this post came in today, so I didn’t get the chance to read it. Firstly, thank you for the invite to tea. I bought a few books last week from the Derren list, so does that mean I get to come to tea more than once? Oh, how come Amazon can get their stuff through the post before you? I’d have a word. And, secondly, what a stonkingly fine review, Phillis! Thank you. I think I will dump the first book I’ve started on and humph the Dawkin’s hardback on the tube with me to read. Then I can maybe stand on it and headbutt the 6 feet besuited twats who read their spreadsheets on this midget’s head.
I wish I’d known about the audio book, darn. I forget about technological advances sometimes. I still use twigs and a stone to make fire.
Completely agree with Derren’s statement that this book, or at least the idea’s it presents, should be integrated into the school curriculum somehow. I ask this: Why do I have the feeling that this will not occur and we shall stick to the unchallenged in schools teaching of evolution theory?
At least teach both sides and offer the youth of today a more informed choice..
@AJR – ‘Why do people spend so much time attacking creationists…? Let them believe what they want, they’re not doing any harm.’ Er, no..? I can think of a few wars over the centuries…
I’m reading it right now so ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Am I the only one here who’s starting to feel like a giant mouse?
Just started chapter 12 today, looking forward to the discussion of arms races. As for the book: having a wonderful time, wish everyone was here.
Mmmm, that’s good PR!
Today I just gave The God Delusion as a gift to my brother and I just found out about the new book, I wish I could of given him this one… But I liked the idea of the Old Testament and the New Testament compared to Dawkin’s book iterations!
I really liked the post. It’s really nice and I wanted to say to codifier that I think you are wright. You are the only one who feel like mouse, a giant mouse.
Thanks for the review
. I was considering delving into one of his books. Any recommendations on this vs. the god delusion? Or are they very different?
@AJR “Let them believe what they want, they’re not doing any harm”.
Tell that to Gloria Sam, the young girl who died because her parents believed in homeopathy over effective medicine. Glad to say they were convicted of manslaughter:
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/09/justice_for_gloria.php
It’s not about ridiculing specific nutty beliefs, it’s about promoting evidence-based thinking and rationality. Yes, people are free to believe whatever they like. But are you happy to sit back and just ignore situations like that?
I got a copy as a present recently and lost an entire weekend to reading it, completely fascinating and accessible to those who (like me) have no formal education in science but an interest (and ability to be rational)
I’ve read a few of Dawkins’ books, each of which is wonderfully enlightening. The only gripe I have against him is that if I were of a mind to believe in some kind of deity, I’d find his constant pops at religion rather tiring. Consequently I’d probably be unlikely to finish and the message would be lost. Hopefully this book will be the one to convert the believers, rather than just preaching to the converted.
Looks great!! I definatly want it. Its my birthday on the 10th so maybe I’ll get lucky!
I went to Christian school so many of my friends are christian and enjoy a good debate. This may be a powerful tool indeed!
@sd-ram
Thank you, I feel a lot better.
Enter me Phillis!
Not in THAT way
I mean into your random selection… Dirty mind
Nice review. I’ve starting listening to audiobooks recently (Listened to the second half of TGD that I never finished reading, Marr’s History of Modern Britain which I highly recommend, and some Dan Brown novels). For non-fiction, it’s really great when when the author reads it. I guess I am lucky that at my school, we were taught evolution.
I’m a big fan of Dawkins, and I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to read TGSOE, unless I happen to win a free audio book copy…
@AJR… Not doing any harm? Are you serious? They’re doing huge amounts of harm. Anything from denying their children medical aid when it’s desperately needed, or relying on hokum remedies that do nothing, to just basically keeping people uninformed and stupid about the truth and even teaching lies.
Come on, get your head out the sand and look around, the evidence or harm from these people is abundant and everywhere.
My problem with this book is that, actually, it has no point. Those who accept evolution (most of us) really can’t have any need for it. I know Derren says he’s cut down on the Creationist bashing, and he has, but between the lines this still reads as “OMG, stupid creationists, lets laugh and point at how stupid they are”.
Why is this pointless? Because we all know they’re ridiculous.
Dawkins says that one of the reasons he wrote this book is because a shocking number of Americans do not believe in evolution. No prizes for guessing whether or not they’re going to read this book? The only people who’re going to read it, most likely, are those that accept evolution anyway. It’s been widely accepted for years, we don’t need RD confirming that “yes, evolution makes sense.”
I loved TGD and will be putting this on my Christmas list immediately…..after making a Christmas list
But to be honest, I will probably just buy it next time I’m at the shops!
Also, audiobooks/podcasts a great idea for people who get bored in the gym!
Reading ‘A Devil’s Chaplain’ at the mo and its really good, this will be next on the list. Saw Dawkins speaking at Hammersmith Apollo last xmas and loved it. I think our world needs him and others like him to “preach” to us and whole heartedly agree that this needs to be taught in schools. I need a wee.
I’d like to listen to the audio, would be interesting.
I think there’s loads of different sides of evolutions, like our conscious, and our behaviour.
Talking about evolution, I believe it’s happening now, all the prophecies etc about this date,
December 21st 2012. People are waking up to our reality. We don’t work as humans should.
Our society keeps us manipulating/hating eachother while we, a large working organism,
are attacking eachother and disrupting natural human behaviour. Why a large working organism?
We share the same basics, I like using it as an example;
The whole world, each individual, shares information, and emotions, through which we influence
eachother with. We are one.. We just don’t work to it. But blame the ‘Puppet masters’ who value material over everything.
This sounds like the perfect pick-me-up after a hard day.
I’d love to follow in Dawkins’ footsteps. If only evolution could have gifted me with his prized high IQ!
Is the audio book abridged?
Having grown up in the pentecostal church, I would LOVE to have tea and chat with you about the transition from there to the real world. There is simply not enough about that in your book. You need to write a self-biography!! While you are doing that, I suppose i will read “The greatest show on earth”.
I will definately be getting a copy of this – I thought TGD was a great read, and very informative
I will (after reading) be giving my copy to a christian friend of mine who pointed me at this site – http://nada.uk.net/longlist.html – which was written by her friend – I only hope that it gets passed down the line to the creator of THAT site as I think she could learn A LOT!!!
It looks great. We need a man like Dawkins around when we have men like Popes and Archbishops too, to counter balance.
I am half-way through The God Delusion at the moment, and can’t help but feel that those who Dawkins clearly wishes to convince will benifit much more from a book such as The Greatest Show on Earth, as it provides real, undisputable and brilliantly chosen evidence to support evolution, rather than arguments against God/religion, that are sure to infuritate even the most tame Christian/Muslim/Flying Spaghetti Monster Believer. I will almost certainly buy this book!!
p.s. I LOVE FREE STUFF DERREN!!
Now on my christmas list along with The Athiests Guide to Christmas.
I read the God Delusion when I was travelling around NZ two years ago. Found it extremely good reading, thought provoking and entertaining, and it helped to clarify my position on God (doesn’t exist) and religion (in it’s best form a comforting community in it worst form – well what more can i say!).
I took great pleasure in leaving it on the book exchange shelf at the YHA in Lake Tekapo – next to a copy of The Bible – offered balance I thought! ;-P
Saw the Creation movie last night and will read the book soon! Should be interesting, even though I feel it might get a little repetitive if you already agree with most of it!
Alan Pawtridge: to be fair, some of us would just like to read a book about evolutionary theory that is geared towards people without a biology degree. It’s not just about accepting evolution is real, it’s about understanding it. It’s interesting. Dawkins is an ace science writer and he presents complicated ideas really clearly.
Wow, how on time! We just started studying evolutionary psychology and theories on natural selection in my Foundations of Cognitive Science course at university here in the US. I have been reading my text with almost rapt attention, forsaking all other subjects at times just to read more material. Thanks for the review, I may have to pick this up! (And yes, I agree, if you are a bit ADD or ADHD (like myself) audiobooks are gems.
AF
CAPITALS cities like London INFLUENCE our economy in the same way as Dawkins ideas WILL influence YOU.
I would like to THANK you for reviewing this new book, Until I came across Richard Dawkins I had always believed in God, however I think I have always been uneasy by the verses in the bible. for SENDING people to hell for minor faults was something ME couldn’t understand. When you read through the god Delusion the excellent examples given shatter any childlike belief that evolution has been made up by THE devil. I am glad to read that this new book is available in an AUDIO format. As soon a you have Randomly selected me, i will give a full review.
I read TGD and I’m glad that this is different – I liked the Bible comparison of Testaments – because I enjoyed his less polemical books a lot.
Derren Brown must have some ulterior motive for the offer.
It’s so ironic how about half the people here are saying…”oh I’ve added that book to my Christmas list”….just think about that one for a minute…
Cracking review. One for the wishlist indeed.
Its amazing how religion has managed to survive for so long. I’m just chuffed that I was born into this generation, where religion is finally starting to lose its grip.
Vive le revolution!!!
Thanks, that was a really good review by the so called ‘phillis’ (by the way i dont believe you exist, and i only will if you send me the audio).
love P
Tea? I THINK SO!
I feel it’s unnecessary to mention how ossum Richie D is…
Think i know what my EMA will be buying this month
I’m a massive Dawkins fan and even though I accept he is rather pompous etc, I think he is fantastic because he came out and actually wrote about what I’ve believed for years! This is definitely on my list of things I’d like to buy myself but its a long way down the list of things I need
Sad to say I only got about 10% through “The God Delusion”.
I bought it not long after it came out, having touched on Dawkins’ in Psychology (“The Selfish Gene” – well worth a look) & heard him referenced by the likes of Adam Curtis & on the heady heights of Richard & Judy.
TGD, I found frustrating. The preface, read as “Oh, good boy. You must be very smart; you bought my book.”. I kept stopping when he resorted to lazy argument as spouted by many zealots. That sort of writing narks me off.
However, after reading Phillis’ review, for the new book there is hope. Esp. if the Old/New Testament analogy rings true, & like God, the proff’s chilled out a bit in the new book. I’ll go back & plough through TGD before stepping into TGSOE, but hopefuly it strikes more of a chord with me.
I’m about half way through the God Delusion and am thoroughly enjoying it. Just wish I could remember his arguments better so when the so called ‘God squad’ starting spouting the usual B&**&$%S I can respond to my satisfaction. This one is a definite for the future (if I don’t win the audio book
Keep up the good work..
@SomeGuy: “But the whole anti-creationist argument does get a bit tired.”
That’s a silly thing to say. He keeps bringing it up because they keep trying to trample all over science.
@Alex: “My problem is Richard Dawkin’s intolerance of religion.”
Why is that a problem?
“If there is no god or afterlife, I would have hated to have wasted my life throwing my toys out of the pram, and causing deliberate offence.”
He isn’t doing anything to cause offense. He is doing it to spread rational thought.
@Alan Plawtridge: “I know Derren says he’s cut down on the Creationist bashing, and he has, but between the lines this still reads as “OMG, stupid creationists, lets laugh and point at how stupid they are”.”
Creationists are the whole reason a book like this is necessary. It’s a GOOD THING to educate people about how dishonest creationists are, so that they are not fooled by them.
Dawkins is not pointing and laughing, he is showing the dangers of creationist dishonesty.
@Bob: “It’s so ironic how about half the people here are saying…”oh I’ve added that book to my Christmas list”….just think about that one for a minute…”
How is that ironic? Christmas is not a religious celebration to atheists. It’s a tradition, that’s all. And if you believe its a Christian tradition, think again. The Christians stole Christmas from pagan rituals.
@Louisa: “I’m a massive Dawkins fan and even though I accept he is rather pompous etc,”
How is he “pompous” exactly? He’s polite and educated. Just because his IQ isn’t below 30 doesn’t mean that he is “pompous”.
I am only about a chapter through TGSOE, but am already in love with it. The way the book is presented is easy for anyone to read and will bring great knowledge to the people that do.
ps: I hope I’m not too late to be randomly selected?!?
I known very little of Him -to be honest only heard of him from DB but Going with a friend in Menlo Park calif -this week to listen to him –The Berkley night in calif is sold out–I may seek for him to sigh the book-(Im sure he will he will be at a book store) -Be well Grant
Excellent. The man speaks sense, an incredible mind.. but you have to admit he says even the most blatantly obvious statement like its profound. And lacks certain social skills.
I figured all this stuff out for myself years ago, so I wont be buying this. I agree that it should be included in schools curriculum tho’. Are there scones for tea? – I have a hard one
@mike – a hard what?
I am very interested to read/listen to such a book. I have many friends who have read his books and we debate the issues. I am not religious, however I do not deny or reject an existence of “god” nor do I accept that this reality that we all perceive could ever possibly be totally understood or analysed by our human brains, what we call “fact” or “logic”. I think it is arrogant of us to assume, that because something seems like or is “proof”, fact , then it must be the truth, because all of the things which lead us to these conclusions were also perceptions made by our brains only, learnt from our brains and we are good at seeing what we want to/are told (suggested) to see. My argument is that we, the non religious “logical” thinkers, are no more capable of true facts, then the religious
I ran out of space…ill stop blabbing haha
Sounds fascinating. I’m pretty random, so could I have one please?
Thanks for the review – having read The God Delusion, I was unsure if I really needed another read of RD, but you’ve convinced me – I’ll now get it (or put it on my aetheist’s Xmas list (after all Xmas was a Pagan festival before it was Christian).
Just wanted to say in response to Alex (1 Oct 6:08pm) firstly that The God Delusion gives a very full and convincing explanation for why RD feels it necessary to campaign so hard against religion, but secondly, even if that weren’t so, it really takes very little looking around to see the harm that religion has wreaked, and continues to wreak in this world. It is the most destructive force on the planet and so needs fighting
Also the immense effort that goes into avoiding offense to believers is never matched in return,
I’d love to have a copy of the book. My favourite topic from my favourite scientist/writer.
His audiobooks are the way forward.
But it takes about 3 car trips to get used to his wife’s voice without listening to that annoying clammy chomping sound she makes like the weather lady on BBC News 24. I wish he would use his mum or something.
Also anyone buying the audiobook, buy the real thing also. Trying to imagine a diagram of bacterial reproduction or the spinal formation on an ancient dog skeleton is 500 times more difficult through voice than actually having a drawing in front of you.
And the horse said nayyyyyyyyyyy
Why hasn’t he released it for the Kindle? That had been sweet, so I could have referenced things much more easily…
Excellent review. I also listened to the audiobook. Only drawback was the lack of images, though the publishers did their best to fix this gap with a Pavlovian response inducing bell and image reference number. Now, to Derren’s review:
“40% of Americans have no idea where Britain is on a map.”
Hey! I’m an’merican and I done just fine. You best thank the lord I don’t have a car else I’d drive on over to Brittanica and kick your limey ass.
Seriously though, in pockets of this country we’re remarkably stupid.
“should be weaved in to the school curriculum.”
Agreed, but Bill Bryson should do the rewrite. Better storyteller. Less baggage.