Richard Dawkins is one of the finest minds in science, and in this superb collection of essays and letters, he demonstrates the depth of his knowledge and the rich variety of his interests. Whether he is examining postmodernism or the Human Genome Project, penning a letter to his daughter, or writing a moving eulogy to Douglas Adams and e-mailing Stephen Jay Gould, Dawkins writes with an intellectual vigour and grace that is second to none. This is a very human collection that shows not only the acuity of Dawkins' scientific mind, but also his sense of humour and the warmth of his relationships with friends and family.

About the Author

Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist renowned throughout the world. He was educated at Oxford and taught zoology before becoming the first holder of the Charles Simonyi Chair of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, in 1995. His previous books rank among the most influential intellectual works of our time., They include The Selfish Gene (1976), River Out of Eden (1995), and Unweaving the Rainbow (1999).

Prizes

A top ten Sunday Times bestseller on hardback publication as well as top ten bestseller in Ireland Over 20,000 hardbacks sold within first 2 months Richard Dawkins River Out of Eden has sold over 100,000 copies in Phoenix paperback and we will be reissuing it with a new jacket alongside the paperback of A Devil's Chaplain 'Professor Dawkins is one of the world's most engaging and challenging science writers...he brings beautiful clarity to the most difficult scientific concepts yet does so in a style akin to that of fine literature' Irish Times 'Whatever his topic Dawkins is always eloquent, passionate and persuasive. The man is a national treasure' Charles Fernyhough, Scotland on Sunday 'Whether Dawkins is exchanging emails with Stephen Jay Gould, writing an open letter to his daughter or recalling a revered headmaster at Oundle, Dawkins remains rigorous and to the point' The Scotsman

Reviews

'there is a lovely tribute to Dawkins's friend Douglas Adams, some interesting speculations on the next few decades of genetic engineering, an explanation of what crystals really are, and some heartfelt reminiscences of Africa.' -- Steven Poole THE GUARDIAN 'his arguments sing with clear-eyed passion and conviction' -- Patrick Nees THE DAILY TELEGRAPH 'this erudite collection... where Dawkins assesses the work of his late rival Stephen Jay Gould is essential reading.' -- Travis Elborough THE SUNDAY TIMES 'His passion collapses the notion that scientists are lab-coated androids.' SUNDAY HERALD "A rare treat and it comes in seven servings, each essay will grip you at once." NEW SCIENTIST "A must-read for fans and non-fans alike and for people of an independent mind everywhere." THE HERALD