Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea

In this dazzling companion to the most important PBS television series this fall, award-winning journalist Carl Zimmer collaborates with leading scholars to tell the compelling story of the theory of evolution—from Darwin to 21st century science

Darwin’s The Origin of Species was breathtaking—beautifully written, staunchly defended, defiantly radical. Yet it emerged long before modern genetics, molecular biology, and contemporary findings in paleontology.

In this remarkable new book, a rich and up-to-date view of evolution is presented that explores the far-reaching implications of Darwin’s theory. At a time when controversies surrounding creationism and education are bursting into public consciousness, this book’s emphasis on the power, significance, and relevance of evolution will make it a catalyst for public debate. Evolution marks a turning point in the 150-year debate and will be an indispensable asset to any serious reader with an interest in the life sciences, a passion for truth in education, or a concern for the future of the planet.

In this dazzling companion volume to a seven–part SBS series (airing November 2002), an award winning journalist collaborates with leading scholars in the life sciences (Stephen Jay Gould, Sarah Hrdy, Mary–Claire King, Steven Pinker, etc.) to tell the compelling story of the theory of evolution starting with Darwin's seminal insights and ending with the cutting–edge developments in 20th century science that have confirmed and extended his findings.

In this remarkable new book, a rich and up–to–date view of evolution is presented that explores the far–reaching implications of Darwin's theory. In a world where species loss is escalating, there are growing pressures on food production and energy resources, and lethal antibiotic–resistant diseases are running rampant, evolution becomes a way of grappling both with our planet's past and it's future.

At a time when controversies surrounding creationism and education are bursting into public consciousness, this book's emphasis on the power, significance, and relevance of evolution will make it a catalyst for public debate. EVOLUTION, the book and the series, marks a turning point in the 150–year debate and will be an indispensable asset to any serious reader with an interest in the life sciences, a passion for truth in education, or a concern for the future of the planet.

“Readable...expertly written by science writer Carl Zimmer...does a better job of sorting out what is serious science and what, at this point, is an idea whose triumph remains up in the air.” - Natural History magazine

“Offers answers to questions you’ll wish you had thought of.” - Discover magazine